The Path of Self-Reliance in Spiritual Practice
Teachings from Namo Amituofo
Recorded by Venerable HaiZe.
3 October 2021
Teachings from Namo Amituofo:
The Clarity of Stillness
When you finally attain a state of purity, you will suddenly realise how deeply stained you once were. It is only in the clarity of a quiet mind that the layers of past impurities become visible. When you reach a state of true inner peace, you will understand how turbulent your life used to be. Your emotions were like waves, constantly rising and falling without rest.
If you have not yet attained this purity and stillness, how can you possibly discern the true nature of reality? Without a calm mind, the truth remains hidden behind the veil of your own confusion. The truth is often quite startling. You may find that your past life was lived in complete opposition to the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way.
The Illusion of the Right Path
You wandered off the path without even knowing it. You mistakenly believed you were heading in the right direction, walking firmly toward a goal, yet you were actually drifting further away. As a result, you remain trapped in the cycle of rebirth, spinning endlessly through the six realms of rebirth. You must endure the suffering of birth, ageing, sickness, and death alone. No one can bear this burden for you; no one can take your place.
The Responsibility of the Practitioner
Seeing your true self / self-nature is a personal matter that only you can accomplish. Diligent practice depends entirely on your own effort. You must take full responsibility for your spiritual journey:
- Recite the Sutras:
- This is your own responsibility to perform with sincerity.Prostrations:
- This is your own duty to humble the ego.Chant Buddha's name:
- This must come from your own heart to connect with the Buddha.Changing the "self," personal ego, and selfishness: This is a task that only you can perform.
If these habits are difficult to change, you must work even faster to transform them. No one can change them for you. You must rely on yourself, moving forward step by step. Let your heart guide your body in every action.
Returning to the Original Nature
Once you rediscover your true self / self-nature and see your original nature, you will be as free as the vast sky and the open sea. You will then be able to guide all beings to the of Ultimate Bliss. Namo Amituofo.
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About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library