The Profound Truth of Having Nothing
Words of Namo Amituofo
Recorded on September 30, 2023
Recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe
September 30, 2023
Words of Namo Amituofo:
The Burden of Attachment
In this world, people live in constant fear of loss. They worry deeply about what they do not have, and they only feel a sense of security once they have acquired and possessed things. It is within this cycle of fear, worry, acquisition, and possession that many problems arise. Consequently, the laws of and cause and effect are set into motion.
These attachments give rise to the : Greed, Anger, Ignorance, Arrogance, and Doubt. They also manifest as the : wealth, lust, fame, food, and sleep, as well as the various negative actions of killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying, and intoxication. All of these arise from the anxiety of feeling insufficient, or from the insatiable desire to possess more and more. This leads to various forms of delusion and the accumulation of negative karma.
The Illusion of Ownership
A person’s entire life is often spent in this pursuit. Yet, when the time comes to depart from this world, one cannot take anything away. The only things that follow us are the karmic consequences of our actions—the weight of our own . We arrive in this world with nothing, and we leave with nothing.
When we speak of having nothing, the world often equates this with being weak, incapable, unsuccessful, or lacking in progress. This is merely the result of the world's discriminations. In truth, one can use the state of having nothing to contemplate the principle of emptiness and become in sync with one's true self.
The Wisdom of Gratitude and Giving
When you do possess things, you should know how to be grateful and satisfied. When you take what you need, take only a moderate amount—just enough to suffice. If you have a surplus, you should practise Generosity. By giving, you create the best possible protection for your future, ensuring that you will have what you need when the time is right. If you have something and yet crave more, you will easily fall into the trap of greed.
The True Treasure Within
People come into this world empty-handed and leave empty-handed. You cannot take anything with you; only your karma follows you. However, within this state of having nothing, you must understand that there is a supreme, wonderful treasure hidden within you, waiting to be found. This treasure is your true self. If you rely on the power of , you can certainly find it.
There is no other way; you must simply chant Buddha's name. Chant Namo Amituofo with a focused heart, letting go of all other thoughts until there is nothing left but Amitabha. Learn from Amitabha—emulate the heart of Amitabha, the vows of Amitabha, and the actions of Amitabha.
The Ultimate Realisation
Chant Namo Amituofo until your heart shines with light, and you see your true nature. At that moment, you will realise that although you have nothing, you actually possess everything. You have returned to the source, and you are one with the infinite of the of Ultimate Bliss.
Namo Amituofo
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Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
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