The Teachings of Namo Amituofo: A Pure Heart and Few Desires

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

January 20, 2024

The Essence of Purity and Restraint

To have a pure heart and few desires is a fundamental requirement for the practitioner. To clarify these terms: a pure heart means to cleanse the mind of all defilements, while having few desires means to reduce one's cravings and refrain from greed. In this context, the desires we speak of refer primarily to the needs of the physical body.

The energy required for the functioning of the internal organs is supplied through the food we consume. The energy of the spirit is supplied by the vital energy and light within the human body and food, such as Buddha-light and the light emitted by the body itself. Beings such as spirits and those from the Demon Realm survive by absorbing this energy from the human body and the food we consume. The energy of the heart is supplied by the Dharma. A Buddha-heart arises naturally after receiving the teachings of the Buddha’s teachings, whereas a demonic heart is obtained through magic.

Living with Purpose and Moderation

We must understand that the body has legitimate needs, and these should be met with moderation and mindfulness:

• Sleep:
• Necessary to nourish and restore the physical body.Clothing:
• Used to cover the body, maintaining dignity and proper decorum.Footwear:
• Essential to protect the feet, allowing us to walk the path of practice.Shelter:
• Provides protection from the elements, serving as a base to protect oneself while working to save others.Transportation: A tool to travel long distances, enabling us to bring the Buddha’s teachings to beings in far-off places.

These are the basic requirements imposed by the limitations of having a physical form. They are part of the necessary process of your practice. As your practice deepens, your level of purity will rise, and your desires will naturally diminish. Consequently, the state of your Body-Mind-Spirit will be elevated, eventually entering a state of pure purity and Goodness.

From Personal Desire to Universal Vow

The true transformation occurs when you shift your focus from the desires of the individual to the Great Vow of saving all beings. This transition from desire to vow is a significant elevation in the quality of your spirit. However, to truly realise this vow, you must rely on diligent, physical practice. If there is regression in practice, your attachments will increase, and your desires will inevitably follow suit.

The Purification of the Six Roots

Purification is the fundamental condition for Pure Land practice. We must begin by purifying the six sense organs (eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, mind). This is because the use of this body originates from the six sense organs. The six dusts—sights, sounds, smells, tastes, touch, and phenomena—that correspond to the six sense organs are the external six dusts. When the six sense organs encounter the external six dusts, whether the heart is shaken or influenced depends on one’s meditative concentration.

When the six sense organs correspond to the external six dusts, their functions are revealed. For instance, visual forms require the eye organ to be perceived; if the eye organ is damaged, as in the case of the blind, it is difficult to see the external visual forms. Similarly, sounds require the ear organ to be heard; if the ear organ is damaged, as in the case of the deaf, it is difficult to hear external sounds, and so on. When your six sense organs encounter these external six dusts, the state of your heart—whether it remains calm or becomes agitated—is the true measure of your practice.

Transcending the Cycle of Karma

When the six sense organs encounter the external six dusts, if one enters the consciousness, the six consciousnesses—eye, ear, nose, tongue, body, and mind—begin to function. This is the activation of karma, which leads to discriminations of good and bad, right and wrong. The question is whether you are controlled by this karmic force, or whether you can encounter the external six dusts without letting them enter your consciousness.

As the six sense organs are purified, their true nature becomes more apparent, allowing one to see the Truth. This is not about letting the consciousness function, nor following the consciousness or karma. Whether one can do this depends on one’s meditative concentration. Can you face various situations without letting them enter your consciousness? Can you prevent your karma from being activated? This is the very essence of your practice.

If the name of Amitabha Buddha can be chanted with power, it can simultaneously purify the six sense organs, the external six dusts, and the six consciousnesses. This is a wonderful method for achieving a pure heart and few desires. A practitioner’s virtue can be seen in their attitude when the six sense organs encounter the external six dusts. Do you allow your heart to be swayed by the temptations of the external world, or do you remain calm and clear, unmoved by material desires? This is the skill of having meditative concentration through purification, remaining unpolluted by the external world, and is also a manifestation of virtue. If one wishes to practise purity and reach the state of an awakened being, a pure heart and few desires are essential.

Namo Amituofo