Words of . Recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.
Fluctuations refer to the various forms of change that occur within our lives. These changes manifest in several ways: fluctuations of the heart, which involve the shifting of our intentions and emotional states; fluctuations of , which are the physical movements and changes we experience daily; fluctuations of the spirit, which are the subtle movements within our ; and fluctuations of the environment, which are the external changes in the world around us and the lives of other beings.
The Heart as the Supreme Commander
The key to understanding these changes lies within the heart. The heart serves as the supreme commander of your entire being. If your heart remains unmoved, then regardless of how the body, the spirit, or the external environment may shift, you will remain as steady as a mountain. This state of unshakeable stillness is the true essence of meditative concentration in your practice.
When you possess this skill of meditative concentration, you are able to cleanse away all forms of dust and defilement. You will no longer be influenced by the constant changes of the world, nor will you be stained by the impurities that arise from them. If your heart is covered in dust and you find it difficult to remove these stains, how can you ever hope to attain purity?
Navigating the Currents of
Often, the movements of the body and the spirit are merely reactions to the stirrings of the heart, or they are driven by the force of your karma. When your appear within your physical circumstances, you may experience the suffering inherent in the cycle of birth, aging, sickness, and death. These experiences are often difficult to control or overcome on your own.
Unless you are willing to endure the suffering of these karmic retributions and seek the help of others to resolve these conflicts through , it is difficult to eliminate such deep-seated karma. You must be cautious whenever there is movement in your body, mind, or spirit. Every thought and intention, every word spoken, and every action taken is governed by the laws of karma and cause and effect. Even if a thought seems subtle, or the resulting change seems minor, you must never be careless, for even small causes can lead to significant karmic consequences.
The Radiant Clarity of the Spirit
The fluctuations of the spirit refer specifically to the three hun souls and seven po souls. When your spirit is clear, bright, and stable, you will not create negative causes even amidst the movements of life. You will not harm others, nor will you harm yourself. This is a natural ability that emerges after you have undergone the process of purification through your practice; it is not something that can be attained through force or demand.
Therefore, you must focus your practice on the heart. Whenever your heart begins to move, that is the very point you must learn to subdue and regulate. If the changes in your body, mind, spirit, and environment are directed towards Goodness, then that is a positive development. However, if these changes are directed towards evil, they will only attract negative retributions and lead to further suffering.
Transforming the World through Stillness
Those who have achieved true attainment in their practice, and those who have realised their true nature, possess a profound ability. By remaining unmoved in their hearts, they can transform the hearts of other beings, guiding them towards the path of Goodness. This is the true work of saving the world and rescuing infinite beings. By maintaining your own stillness, you become a beacon of light that helps others find their way out of the cycle of rebirth.
