The Reality of Our True Nature
Teachings from Namo Amituofo
Recorded on January 18, 2025
The Compassionate Guidance of Shakyamuni Buddha
In this human world, we are profoundly fortunate because Shakyamuni Buddha descended to teach the . His presence and his teachings have provided all beings with the precious opportunity to realise one's true nature and attain Buddhahood. The operation of the Dharma is vast and deep; it flows through the worldly realm and reaches into other dimensions, offering salvation and helping countless beings leave suffering behind to find true happiness.
To realise one's true nature and attain Buddhahood is the ultimate method of salvation. It is the final destination of our spiritual journey, the point where the cycle of rebirth ceases and the true self is fully revealed.
The Supreme Treasure of the One Vehicle
The Infinite Life Sutra (The Buddha Speaks the , Infinite Life, Adornment, Purity, Impartiality, and Sutra) is the supreme treasure for those who seek to become a Buddha. It is the definitive sutra of the school, representing the One Vehicle—the Buddha Vehicle. If you can sincerely follow the teachings within this sutra, you will be able to attain three kinds of reality: the Reality of the True Nature, the Reality of Benefit, and the Reality of Wisdom.
What we call "reality" here is not merely a concept; it is that which is truly existent, unchanging, and eternal. It is the opposite of the fleeting, illusory experiences we encounter in our daily lives.
Unveiling the Reality of the True Nature
In the second chapter of the sutra, it is mentioned that the Buddha reveals the "Reality of the True Nature." Here, this reality refers to your true self, your Buddha-nature, and your original nature. If you can read, recite, and wholeheartedly practise the teachings of this sutra, you will have the opportunity to rediscover this original nature that has always been within you.
Every single being possesses this true self. Throughout the vastness of the Dharma Realm, there are immeasurable and boundless numbers of beings who have already realised their true nature and attained Buddhahood. Yet, beings are also everywhere, present at every moment, waiting for the right conditions to awaken. Every being has the potential to become a Buddha, but the critical question remains: do you have the opportunity in this very life to practise and realise your true nature? If you follow the teachings of this sutra, you will have that opportunity.
Choosing Between Illusion and Truth
To realise one's true nature is the primary goal of our practice. It means finding the way back to our original, authentic face. This true self is inherently selfless, pure, and possesses complete Supernatural Freedom; it flows naturally with the Dharma, acting without the need for calculation. In contrast, the cycle of rebirth is driven by the ego, by attachment, and by selfishness. It is a state where we are dominated by our past .
While the true self is real and eternal, the cycle of rebirth is illusory and false—it is not our original state. The true self is free from suffering and possesses the power of autonomy, whereas the cycle of rebirth is a realm of illusion where we endure endless suffering and struggle to control our own destiny. These are two entirely different ways of existing. Which one will you choose?
The Path to Ultimate
Even those who have reached the Four Sacred Realms—the Arhats, Pratyekabuddhas, and Bodhisattvas—have achieved a level of liberation where they are no longer subject to the suffering of birth and death. However, they have not yet fully realised their true nature and attained Buddhahood. We hope that all of you will accept and uphold this sutra with faith. By doing so, you will be able to lead others to rediscover their true self and realise their true nature and attain Buddhahood. This is the act of revealing the Reality of the True Nature, and it is the first and most important truth that this sutra brings to all beings.
Namo Amituofo
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About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library