Words of , recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.
As you walk through this world, you may find yourself asking: upon whom can I truly rely? You look to your parents for guidance, to your spouse for companionship, and to your children for comfort in your later years. You hope that by raising them well, you will secure a sense of peace and stability for your heart and mind. However, one must ask: is it truly possible to find lasting reliance in these human relationships? The reality is that such support is beyond the capacity of human strength alone.
The Illusion of Worldly Support
We are all drifting within the cycle of rebirth, bound by the heavy weight of . Our relationships with parents, spouses, and children are often rooted in the complex interplay of past lives—repaying debts, settling grievances, or fulfilling bonds of gratitude. It is essential to understand this reality clearly. Every individual, whether they are your family or a stranger, must ultimately walk their own path and rely on their own efforts. Suffering is the fundamental nature of this world, while happiness is merely a fleeting illusion. Do not allow yourself to be drawn deeper into the cycle of rebirth by clinging to these temporary connections.
The True Refuge in the
If you are a practitioner, upon whom should you rely? You must place your full reliance on Namo Amituofo and the Western Pure Land. You must have unwavering faith in the Buddha of the West. Do not allow doubt or arrogance to cloud your mind, for it is only when your heart is clear and sincere that the Buddha's can truly manifest within you. When you let go of your reliance on worldly things and turn your heart toward the Buddha, you open the door to a higher path.
The Synergy of Diligent Practice and Buddha's Blessings
You must be diligent in your practice and never become lazy or complacent. Your daily lessons are vital:
Prostrations: Bowing to the Buddha to humble the ego.
Chanting Buddha's name: Invoking the name to align your heart with the Buddha.
Reciting the Sutras: Studying the teachings to gain wisdom.
It is through these practices that the Buddha's blessings are bestowed upon you. This is not something you can achieve through your own power alone. It is the combination of your own diligent practice and the infinite power of the Buddha's blessings that allows you to succeed in your Pure Land practice.
The Constant Presence of the Buddha in Your Heart
Chanting Buddha's name is the foundation of the Pure Land path. The fourfold assembly must put in the work. Do not let a single moment pass in vain; keep the Buddha in your heart, make your vows like the Buddha's vows, and ensure that every action and every thought is focused on Namo Amituofo. Do not neglect the Buddha. If you are not chanting Buddha's name, you are not truly on the Pure Land path. When you are able to chant with a focused mind, you will find that it clears away the filth of your heart and the obstacles of your body. Your spirit will become calm, your mind will no longer be scattered, and you will find the strength to succeed in your practice.
The Infinite Reach of the Forty-eight Great Vows
All Buddhas and Bodhisattvas promote the Pure Land teachings, spreading them throughout the entire Realm and the vastness of space. Countless sentient beings, and even the demon crowds, have the opportunity to hear the holy name of Namo Amituofo. Once the name enters the ear, it becomes a seed of the Way that will last forever. Eventually, every being will have the chance to be saved, to enter the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, and to finally leave suffering behind and find happiness. Just as Namo Amituofo fulfils the Forty-eight Great Vows to save all beings, you too must rely solely on the Buddha. Through the Buddha's blessings, your vows will be fulfilled, and you will be guided to save all beings and lead them into the Western Pure Land.
