The Still, Pure, and Waveless Heart

Teachings from Namo Amituofo, recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

October 5, 2025.

A heart that is still, pure, and without waves is the true mark of a practitioner's skill. It is also the state of mind that every practitioner should strive to maintain at all times.

The Mirror of the Mind

Consider the moon as a representation of all beings, and the surface of the water as your own heart. When the water is perfectly still, it is calm and clear. It can perfectly reflect the moon above, showing its image without a single ripple. This is like a mirror that reflects everything exactly as it is.

When your heart is settled and unmoving, you can clearly understand the hearts of all beings. Because your mind is stable, you are not easily influenced, controlled, or disturbed by the external world. However, if the surface of the water is agitated, the reflection of the moon will dance and scatter within the ripples. It becomes difficult to see the true image of the moon clearly.

This is exactly what happens when your heart is not settled. When your mind is filled with fluctuations, you cannot see clearly, nor can you truly understand the hearts of others. Consequently, you become vulnerable to interference and control by external forces.

Navigating the Storms of Karma

A heart that is still and pure remains untouched by the interference of karma. Even when the winds of karma begin to blow, when past karmic debts manifest, or when the external environment becomes turbulent, you can remain steadfast. While the physical body may experience pain or injury, the heart itself remains unhurt.

This is because your heart is not moved. You understand that all movement outside the heart is merely an illusion. These events are temporary and will pass; they occur within the cycle of cause and effect. By maintaining this perspective, you are not deceived by these fleeting, illusory phenomena.

The stillness and purity of the heart are the only realities. When you maintain this state, you can see the truth of all things. Your heart becomes in sync with the Buddha-heart, and you are able to see your true nature.

The Path of Constant Practice

When Buddhas and Bodhisattvas manifest in this world, their hearts are always still, pure, and without waves. Their hearts remain unmoved amidst the myriad events, environments, and causal conditions of the world. Because they do not have a grasping mind, they remain unmoved, keeping their hearts pure, bright, and luminous.

Their heart-light shines eternally. Through the continuous chanting of Buddha's name, they have achieved success in their meditative concentration. If, however, your heart is moved by thoughts of self-interest, you will stir the ocean of karma and attract spiritual attachments. The suffering of old age and sickness is the common appearance of beings trapped in the cycle of rebirth. You must transform this and not allow it to continue.

To achieve this, you must engage in diligent practice:

• Practise the Precepts, Concentration, and Wisdom: These are the foundations of your spiritual growth.
• Practise the Six Perfections: These virtues guide your actions and purify your intent.
• Maintain Continuous Chanting: Keep the name of Namo Amituofo in your heart 24/7, ensuring your chanting is uninterrupted.

By doing so, the still, pure, and waveless heart will naturally manifest within you.

Namo Amituofo.