The Practice of Cultivating the Mind
Teachings from Namo Amituofo
Ninth Day of the Dharma Assembly for Disaster Relief and Blessings
The Path of Corrective Practice
On the ninth day of the assembly for disaster relief and , Namo Amituofo offered these profound teachings on the nature of spiritual cultivation. Many people ask what it truly means to practise. In truth, the essence of practice lies in the refinement of one's conduct and the purification of one's heart. It is not merely a series of rituals, but a fundamental transformation of how one exists in the world.
When we speak of practice, we are speaking of cultivation. We must ask ourselves: how do we conduct our lives? How do we respond to the challenges that arise? To truly practise, one must look deeply into the components that make up our daily experience: our personality, the unique traits and tendencies we have developed over lifetimes; our habits, the repetitive patterns of thought and action that often govern our lives without our conscious awareness; and our emotions, the fluctuating states of mind that arise in response to external conditions.
Revealing the Clarity of the True Self
My child, in the midst of such circumstances, how do you adjust your mind to reveal the clarity of your true self? The practice of cultivating the mind is, at its core, the work of correcting the heart. We have been wandering through the cycle of being reincarnated for countless aeons, and our minds have become clouded by the delusions we have accumulated along the way.
These delusions manifest as deep-seated attachments and confusion within the heart, which arise because one has developed a sense of 'self.' These are the elements that must be adjusted and changed. Many beings who are reincarnated do not understand the importance of looking inward at their true self. What is the key point of cultivating the mind? It is to forget the 'self'; to let go of the 'self' is to return to the original true self.
The Guidance of a True Spiritual Friend
This process requires some cultivation, which is why practice is necessary, and why one needs a true spiritual friend to provide guidance and adjustments. Practice, in terms of understanding, lies in the Dharma and the Truth. By cultivating the heart and true self, one becomes free from delusion and confusion, effectively adjusting one's knowledge and actions.
By aligning your life with the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way, you ensure that your practice is not in vain. Do not let your moments pass in confusion. Turn your awareness inward, correct your heart, and walk the path of . Namo Amituofo.
Recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Shi Faxi, acting as chief writer.
More by Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
The Final Curtain Call of Chu Ke-liang
A candid reflection from the late Taiwanese entertainer Chu Ke-liang on his life, his career, the karmic weight of his influence, and his ultimate deliverance to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.
The Soul's True Equality: A Conversation with Mahatma Gandhi
This is a record of an interview with Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life and his journey to the Pure Land.
A Reflection from the Western Pure Land
This is a record of an interview with Zhao Puchu, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life in the 20th century. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa Hui, on April 18, 2026.
The Truth Behind My Rebirth: A Message from Liu Suqing
Liu Suqing, the elder sister of the renowned practitioner Liu Suyun, shares her harrowing journey through the spirit realms and her ultimate deliverance to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss through the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre.
The Burden of a Historical Name
This is a record of an interview with Lin Biao, who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life approximately 54 years ago. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa, on May 18, 2026.
The Poet’s Journey to the Western Pure Land
A reflection on the life, tragedy, and ultimate spiritual liberation of the ancient statesman Qu Yuan, who found peace through the teachings of Practitioner Su.
About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library