The Path to a Calm and Peaceful Heart
Teachings from Namo Amituofo
Recorded by Venerable HaiZe on February 4, 2023
Teachings from Namo Amituofo, recorded by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe.
On the fourth of February, 2023, Namo Amituofo offered these profound teachings regarding the state of our hearts:
When the heart is calm, it is peaceful; when the heart is peaceful, it is calm. Conversely, when the heart is not calm, it cannot be at peace; when the heart is not at peace, it cannot be calm. These two states—calmness and peace—encompass the entirety of the human experience. They reflect the very essence of how we perceive our existence in this world.
The Illusion of
Why do we struggle to maintain this inner stillness? It is because people are accustomed to clinging to the concept of a self. As long as there is a sense of "I," there will inevitably be the discriminations of being calm or unsettled, peaceful or anxious. When one holds onto the self, one creates a duality that prevents true stability.
However, for those who have realised the truth of , these distinctions vanish. A person who has transcended the self keeps their heart in a state of constant meditative concentration. Their inner state does not fluctuate or turn according to external situations. They remain unmoved, like a mountain standing firm against the shifting winds of the world.
The Accumulation of Dust
Often, we find that our hearts are no longer under our own control. As we grow older and the years slip away, we allow our hearts to become cluttered with the debris of life. We accumulate layers of emotional dust and worldly attachments. The simplicity and Goodness that we once possessed in our youth seem to drift further and further away from us.
As this distance grows, we begin to feel a sense of unease. We start to harbour doubts and anxieties about the people, events, and things that surround us. We find ourselves asking: Is this truly what life is meant to be? Why is there so much suffering and confusion? How can I find the answers to these deep, lingering questions?
We yearn to awaken, to discover the ultimate Truth of life, and to reclaim that original, pure, and simple heart. We are searching for a reliable refuge that can grant us lasting peace and calmness.
The Dangers of the Wrong Path
In our desperation to find these answers, we often begin to experiment with various methods. It is at this critical juncture that many people inadvertently step onto dangerous ground. Without the guidance of a true spiritual friend, many fail to find the right path and instead wander into wrong directions. Some may even fall into the demon path, becoming so deeply entangled that they find it nearly impossible to extract themselves or regain their freedom.
Those who are fortunate enough to find the light of the are truly blessed. By stepping onto the path of learning from the Buddha, they gain the guidance of Buddha or and true spiritual friend. This allows them to receive positive, constructive direction. They begin to understand the laws of and cause and effect and the true reality of existence. This understanding helps them accept everything that comes their way with a calm and peaceful heart.
in Interaction
How, then, should we interact with those whose hearts are not calm or peaceful? The key lies in our own stability. We must be able to face and handle the problems we encounter with a steady heart. When we are confronted by the restlessness or agitation of others, the most important thing is to treat with compassion and tolerate the anxiety and lack of peace in others.
We must maintain an attitude of stability when dealing with the situations before us. We must avoid letting their emotional fluctuations trigger our own. If we allow ourselves to be swept up in their turbulence, both parties will fall into a state of agitation. We will only cause interference with one another, and the situation will become increasingly difficult to resolve in a positive way.
In such a state of mutual unrest, we may even attract , spiritual attachment, or demon crowds to manifest. This leads only to further cycles of instability, anxiety, and lack of peace. Therefore, you must learn to discern the truth and master the art of interacting with others while maintaining your own inner stillness. Namo Amituofo.
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Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
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