The Subtle and the Infinite

The Nature of Subtlety

Words of Namo Amituofo, recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

In this world, we often use the word 'subtle' to describe things that are minute, insignificant, or barely perceptible. Consider the many ways we apply this concept:

• Microscopic: Things so small they escape our notice.
• Subtle Expressions: A gentle smile or a quiet, profound word.
• Nature’s Whispers: A light breeze or a speck of dust.
• The Profound: The subtle Dharma or the subtle sounds of the universe.
• The Faint: Things that are merely superficial or shallow.

When we look at the world through our physical eyes, we perceive these things as small or insignificant. We see subtle changes in people, events, and logic, and we believe this is the totality of reality. However, this is merely the perspective of a worldly heart, limited by the constraints of our physical vision.

Beyond the Physical Eyes

If you can let go of the reliance on your physical eyes and instead view these 'subtle' things through the vastness of the Dharma Realm, you will realise that what you once called subtle is not necessarily subtle at all.

We must understand that our labels are arbitrary: good is not truly good, bad is not truly bad, the subtle is not truly subtle, and the strong is not truly strong. These distinctions exist only to help us break through our deep-seated habits of making discriminations and holding onto attachments. When we label things as 'good' or 'bad,' 'subtle' or 'strong,' or 'high' or 'low,' we are merely building a framework of limitations around ourselves. As long as we remain within these self-imposed boundaries, our existence will remain limited and confined.

Breaking the Framework

You must strive to shatter these frameworks of discrimination and attachment. When your heart is no longer restricted by these self-imposed walls, a new landscape will emerge, and you will finally be able to perceive the truth of reality.

To achieve this, you must release the body, do not be overly attached to the physical form, and empty the heart to cultivate a state of no-mind, free from the clutter of worldly concerns. When you no longer cling to the form, you can see the underlying truth. If you do not let go of the body and continue to hold onto your thoughts and perceptions, you will only see the surface of things and remain trapped in a cycle of discrimination and attachment.

The True Self

Do not place limitations on your Six Sense Organs: eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind. Such limitations are merely the manifestation of your karma. You must let go of your past habits and your rigid personality. When the true nature of your Six Sense Organs is revealed, you will discover that there are infinite possibilities available to you.

The 'self' you perceive in this temporary body is not your true self. This false self is merely a combination of the four elements, governed by the laws of karma and cause and effect. Your true self is only revealed after you have awakened to your original nature. If you are still attached to the 'I' or the 'me,' you are not yet in touch with your true self. These two versions of the self are entirely different.

The true self is capable of encompassing the infinite without being moved. It is the self that is free to attain rebirth in the Western Pure Land. Namo Amituofo.