The Subtle Aspects of Practice

Words of Namo Amituofo, recorded by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe.

My dear children, are you able to perceive the subtle issues that arise within your own hearts? If you possess the ability to detect these subtle flaws, you can immediately take action to halt them and change your ways. This is the hallmark of progress in your practice, allowing you to move forward. However, if you fail to notice these subtle movements, you must be extremely cautious. Are you perhaps unaware of these minute details, and in doing so, inadvertently planting negative causes that will eventually ripen into evil consequences? Only when you have awareness of these subtle aspects can you truly reach a moment of awakening.

The Radiance of Subtle Awareness

True practice is the cultivation of compassion, Wisdom, tolerance, and the manifestation of a keen, sensitive awareness. You must strive to open your mind-capacity, allowing it to encompass all things in the universe. By doing so, you can let go of the false and enter the true, remove defilements and attain purity. When your heart is empty and free of attachments, you will finally see your true self. This is the ultimate goal of your spiritual journey.

The Discipline of Continuous Chanting

When you have this heightened awareness of subtle aspects, you will find that during your practice of chanting the Buddha-name, you are no longer easily swayed by external interference. You will be able to chant each and every word with clarity and focus, ensuring that your recitation of the Buddha-name remains continuous and unbroken. This state of constant, uninterrupted chanting is, in itself, a profound form of meditative concentration. It anchors your spirit and protects your practice from the distractions of the mundane world.

Purifying Body, Speech, and Mind

With this subtle awareness, you will also become capable of observing the minute changes occurring within your own Body, Speech, and Mind. When you notice a positive change, you must nurture it and allow it to continue. Conversely, when you detect a negative or harmful change, you must immediately stop it and resolve never to repeat that error. Through diligent practice, by maintaining this awareness of the subtle, and by knowing when to stop the accumulation of defilements, you will be able to purify your Six Roots and your Body, Speech, and Mind. This is the most effective way to hasten the day when you will rediscover the innate abilities of your true self. Namo Amituofo.