The Prisoner of the Heart
Teachings from Namo Amituofo
Third Session, Third Day of the Hong Kong Winter Dharma Assembly, 2019
The Prison Within
When we speak of the prisoner of the heart, we are referring to the profound suffering that arises from within. What is it that truly imprisons us? It is the constant state of internal chaos, the turbulence of our emotions, and the profound instability of our minds. In this world of confusion, which is filled with the dust of worldly attachments, we must ask ourselves: what kind of heart can truly regain its freedom? The answer lies in the stillness of the heart. We must strive to cultivate a state of mind that is not swayed by the shifting tides of external circumstances. A heart that is truly at peace is a heart that is no longer a prisoner.
The Shackles of Illusion
Why do we feel this sense of imprisonment? It is because we have allowed the world to bind itself to our hearts. We perceive this world as if it were filled with countless shackles, yet these are merely illusions created by our own . We often find ourselves trapped by the following worldly attachments:
- Material Possessions:
- The buildings, wealth, and physical objects we cling to as if they were permanent.Desires:
- The endless cravings for sensory pleasure, fame, and comfort that consume our energy.Delusions: The false beliefs and misconceptions we hold about ourselves and the nature of reality.
These things are not sources of happiness; rather, they are the very bars of our prison. They create a heavy burden that prevents us from experiencing the true, natural state of our original being.
Returning to Original Freedom
Originally, we came into this world as beings of purity and freedom. We were meant to exist in a state of natural ease. However, because we have developed an attachment to possessing and controlling, we have lost our ability to be truly at ease. The suffering of this imprisonment is difficult to imagine, as it has trapped us within the cycle of rebirth for thousands of lifetimes. It is time for us to awaken to this truth. We must realise that the key to our liberation is already within our grasp. By turning our hearts toward the light of the and chanting Namo Amituofo, we can begin to dissolve these illusions. We must resolve to leave suffering behind and find true happiness, step by step, through the practice of Faith, Vows, and practice. Namo Amituofo. This teaching was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Shi Faxi.
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