The Transparent Heart

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

Standing Firm Against Interference

Practitioner, even when your physical body is subjected to attacks from demon crowds and you feel the sharp sting of pain, you must maintain your meditative concentration. Do not allow your heart to be swayed or disturbed by these external forces. You must understand clearly that the reason these demon crowds attack is to create obstacles on your path of practice. They seek to hinder your progress or to prevent you from carrying out the vital work of saving beings, thereby causing those beings to continue suffering.

The Unwavering Vow of the Bodhisattva

Because you possess this clear understanding, you must allow it to strengthen your resolve. Let it deepen your vow to seek the Truth, to save all beings, and to resolve the conflict caused by these demon crowds. Your actual actions in saving beings must be grounded in this firm commitment. When your heart remains unmoved by these challenges, you are truly practising the state of no-self and selflessness. You are walking the path with the same heart, the same vow, and the same actions as the Buddha. In this state, your heart is free from attachments, free from dark corners, and becomes entirely transparent and clear.

Purifying the Shadows of the Past

Those who possess compassion and Wisdom understand the vital importance of a heart without attachments. As it is said, because the heart has no attachments, there is no fear; one is far removed from inverted dreams and delusions, and thus reaches the ultimate state of Nirvana. The darkness that currently exists within your heart is not a new development. It is a collection of stains and shadows that have been stored there over accumulated lifetimes, which have never been fully resolved or removed. You may not always be able to see these situations yourself, yet their very existence acts as a barrier to becoming an awakened being.

The Radiance of the Transparent Heart

If you realise that these stains or shadows may have been caused by the "self," personal ego, and selfishness, a particular event, a person, or even an attachment to material objects, you must dedicate yourself to purifying and removing them. When your heart is pure, free from stains, shadows, and worldly attachments, the light of your true self—which has always been present—will naturally manifest. This is the manifestation of the transparent heart. Its light will shine infinitely, illuminating the vast universe and enabling you to save countless suffering beings. Namo Amituofo.