The path of the lotus flows without obstruction. To truly understand the nature of the world and the liberation of the soul, one must listen to the correct teachings with a receptive heart. When you walk this path, you are opening your mind to the vastness of the universe and the clarity of the . It is a journey of , where the soul is cleansed of its accumulated dust and returned to its original, luminous state.
If you find yourself feeling proud of your words or your actions, you must immediately cultivate humility. Arrogance is a heavy burden that clouds the spirit; it must be lowered and replaced with a gentle, yielding heart. If your heart is not yet true, you must strive for sincerity. If you harbour doubts, you must transform them into unwavering faith.
The Sincerity of Practice
Do not cling to the dust of the past; you must learn to let go. If your temperament is volatile, you must soften it, for a calm and steady mind is the vessel that carries you across the sea of suffering. When you chant the name of , let your intention be honest and your heart be pure. Do not approach this practice with a false mind.
When you think of all beings, do so with genuine and tolerance. Do not allow false thoughts to enter your mind; instead, let your practice be like pure gold, untarnished by private desires or hidden agendas. When you chant, you are connecting with the infinite, and in that connection, there is no room for the ego.
The Moment of Departure
At the final moment of life, your only focus should be on the name of Namo Amituofo. Let go of everything in this world; do not allow your heart to be obstructed by even a single attachment. As you move forward, envision the golden light of Namo Amituofo guiding you. Do not look back at the world you are leaving behind.
Walk straight ahead, severing all ties to the cycle of rebirth, and chant the name with a singular, unbreakable focus. Do not think of this life as your home, for you now know that the physical body is merely a temporary vessel and that your emotions are but fleeting illusions.
The Illusion of the World
The world is filled with wandering souls, all caught in the web of their own . If you do not prepare for the moment of death, you will continue to drift in the cycle of rebirth. Everything in this world is an illusion, and the is filled with the dust of past attachments. To liberate yourself from this dust, you must be absolutely true in your practice.
The teachings transmitted today are meant to turn your heart toward the right path, allowing you to see your true nature with clarity and to open the vast treasury of the great sutras. When your mind is as clear as the morning light, you will be able to cleanse away all impurities. Do not allow your mind to be scattered by dualistic thoughts; only then will your heart be truly serene.
The Certainty of Rebirth
When the Dharma enters your heart, your practice will bear fruit. If your practice is like the morning dew, it will vanish without a trace; therefore, you must ensure that your foundation is solid. If the cause is correct, the result will surely manifest. Rebirth in the of Ultimate Bliss is the ultimate resolution of life and death.
There is no room for emotional attachment here; there is only the path to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, which is open only to those who are truly sincere. In this one lifetime, grasp the truth firmly. Where Namo Amituofo abides, there is the destination of your true home. By following the correct and wonderful Dharma, your rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss is certain and without doubt. Namo Amituofo.
This discourse was recorded by the Buddhist practitioner Shi Faxi.
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