Teachings from . Recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.
February 1, 2025, Noon Offering.
The Radiance of an Inherent Heart
Joyfulness is the appearance of a natural, serene, and delightful state. It originates inherently from within; it does not require any external force or condition to manifest, but arises naturally. Yet, in the present day, when people appear joyful, it is often because external people, events, or objects have caused to manifest such a state. Joyfulness is the manifestation of the heart’s inner resonance, expressed outwardly through the body. If one can maintain this state of while remaining unmoved within a heart of perfect stillness, this is true attainment.
The Turbulence of a Wandering Mind
In most circumstances, the heart follows the fluctuations of the body. When the body feels pleasure, the heart feels pleasure; when the body feels discomfort, the heart feels discomfort. As the body is stirred by external sensations, the heart is stirred in turn. When the body moves, the heart rises and falls with that movement. This is a heart that is not yet settled. Because the body is subject to impermanence and is constantly changing, a heart that follows the body is inherently unstable. This is the reality of life for most people, who find themselves in a state of constant restlessness, desperately seeking a stability they cannot find. These are the beings trapped in the six realms of existence by their .
The Mastery of Body-Mind-Spirit
If you are a practitioner of the Buddha’s path, you must understand the profound relationship between your Body-Mind-Spirit. By focusing your efforts on the heart, you will find it easier to see the results of your practice, which in turn will increase your and your faith. When you put in the work to cultivate the heart, you influence both the body and the spirit. If the heart is still and possesses meditative concentration, the body and spirit will naturally follow, remaining calm and unmoved. If you can achieve this, you will be able to:
Subdue the body, which allows you to suppress the manifestation of negative karma.
Remain unaffected by the interference of when they appear to seek revenge or repay grievances.
Transcend the suffering of Aging, sickness, and death.
The Path to Liberation
If you can maintain this state of inner joy, your body and spirit will naturally radiate a pleasant energy that makes others feel happy and comfortable in your presence. This is the mark of a practitioner who has true attainment. The fourfold assembly should strive for this; if you find you are not yet there, you must reflect upon your practice. You must be vigilant and identify the moments when your heart is most easily stirred. When you encounter such people, events, or environments, you must distance yourself from them, allowing your heart to return to a state of quiet, undisturbed stillness.
Before one has successfully transformed karma, the Body-Mind-Spirit is easily swayed by karmic forces. If karma manifests, it will inevitably interfere with your practice, causing it to stagnate or even regress. If you are a wise practitioner, you will know how to avoid triggering the manifestation of negative karma. This requires strict adherence to the , maintaining self-discipline, and following the rules of the centre, while listening to the sutras and hearing the with a heart that is truly willing to listen and act.
Letting go of is the key to breaking free from the cycle of karma. By chanting Buddha's name under the Buddha's , you can most directly subdue delusion, discrimination, and attachment. This allows you to forget the self and enter the state of letting go of the self. If you can follow these teachings, you will naturally bring joy to your Body-Mind-Spirit, filling your life with Dharma joy. This will help you break through one test after another, advancing steadily on your path until you reach the state of an awakened being.
