The Power of the Initial Resolve

The Spark of Awakening

The initial resolve is the most precious foundation of our Buddhist practice. It is the spark that draws us into the vast ocean of the Buddha's wisdom. This initial resolve may manifest in our lives in various ways: it may arise from a sudden, deep resonance within the heart when we encounter the truth; it may come from a single phrase or word of the Buddha's teachings that suddenly illuminates our understanding; or it may emerge during the process of listening to the sutras and hearing the Dharma, where long-standing questions are finally answered, inspiring a sincere desire to learn more. Once this initial resolve is revealed, it acts as a powerful force, propelling both our body and spirit forward on the path of learning the Buddha's teachings.

The Test of Time

As we advance further into our practice, we must ask ourselves: within the limited span of this human life, can we maintain the same enthusiasm we felt at the very beginning? Can we remain filled with Dharma joy as we continue to seek the Dharma? Whether we are able to successfully transform our karma depends entirely on how we face the inevitable difficulties of life. When we encounter obstacles, can we rely on our faith in the Buddha and our faith in our own true nature to break through these barriers and persist until the very end?

The Constant Light of the Buddha

We must never forget our initial resolve. It is this resolve that allows us to walk the path of the Buddha without fear, never retreating, and moving step by step through the process of right faith and right understanding in Buddhist education. In truth, it is the nature of the fourfold assembly and all Buddhist practitioners to have an impermanent mind before reaching Awakening. However, the Buddha never changes. The Buddha is always there, waiting to lead all beings back home. By following the teachings, we can connect with the Buddha’s heart and enter the Buddha’s wisdom. Even if we only achieve a single thought or ten thoughts of sincere mindfulness at the moment of death, we will be led to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Walking the Path to Awakening

Our initial resolve leads us through the gate of the Buddha's teachings. Through the process of right faith and right understanding in Buddhist education, and by Living the Vows: The Direct Way to Enlightenment, we begin to gain true insight. In this continuous cycle of small awakenings, we wash away the accumulated dust and grime of our past. Through the constant, uninterrupted practice of chanting Namo Amituofo, we engage in purification, and then more purification. This continues until we reach Awakening, which is the true moment when we are ready to save ourselves and save all beings.

Recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

Namo Amituofo