On the morning of 10 June 2017, during the teachings provided by Practitioner Su, I, Venerable HaiZe, gained a deeper understanding of the practice of chanting. It is a truth that every person is capable of chanting the name of . However, while the act of chanting may appear the same on the surface, the internal state of each practitioner is vastly different.
When Practitioner Su chants the name of Namo Amituofo, the energy and power of within that single utterance are so profound that they can open the very fabric of space. This energy is soft, radiant, and pure; it possesses the unique ability to transform the cells within . Only through such a state can one truly transform beings, guide them to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, and save countless lives from suffering.
The Barrier of Latent Habits
Conversely, for those who have not yet transformed their latent habits or bad character traits, the act of chanting can be quite different. When such a person chants, their internal state acts like a wall of copper and iron. The Buddha-name, once uttered, immediately bounces back into the air, unable to penetrate the heart. Consequently, the practitioner finds it difficult to receive the true benefits of the .
This is why we must understand that all dharmas are mind-only. The efficacy of our practice is entirely dependent upon the state of our heart. When the heart is filled with impurities, the light of the Buddha-name cannot shine through.
The Path to True Chanting
Namo Amituofo has provided the following guidance regarding the nature of this practice:
The Ultimate Vow of Namo Amituofo is contained within the Buddha-name itself. Both sentient and insentient beings are capable of receiving its grace. However, because each individual possesses a different heart, the benefits derived from the Dharma vary greatly. All dharmas are mind-only, created by the heart; therefore, the benefits of chanting are inexhaustible, yet they manifest differently according to the state of one's mind. This is the simple truth of reality.
Practitioner Su’s heart is free from impurities. It is pure, without seeking, and without desire. Within every thought, there is a state of non-thought, and the energy generated is beyond measure. If, within the sound of your chanting, you hide your latent habits or bad character traits—whether you are aware of them or not—it is difficult to align your heart with the Buddha-heart. In such a case, you are merely producing the sound of the Buddha-name with your mouth, but the heart remains untouched.
Becoming a True Practitioner
True purification has the power to transform all spirits, whereas a polluted heart finds it difficult to transform even one. You must constantly regulate your heart. A true practitioner of Namo Amituofo is rare to encounter in this world. If you are fortunate enough to meet such a person, you must never lose your focus or let your resolve waver.
Do not be overly concerned with whether your chanting sounds good or bad. Instead, focus entirely on whether your heart is truly sincere. When there is not a single stray thought arising in your heart, and only the sound of the Buddha-name rises continuously, you have become a true practitioner of Namo Amituofo.
Recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.
