The Unceasing Compassion of Namo Amituofo

Teachings from Namo Amituofo, recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

The Endless Ocean of Karma

All sentient beings are born through the convergence of various conditions. Because these spirits have not yet been able to leave the cycle of rebirth, they remain trapped within the vast ocean of karma. They drift aimlessly, suffering without end, caught in the currents of their own past actions.

To the fourfold assembly of disciples, I ask: where is your Body-Mind-Spirit at this moment? If you have forgotten the Buddha, if your diligent practice is insufficient, and if you have not yet learned to let go of the self, your personality remains unchanged. Consequently, your body and mind are pulled by the force of your karma. When you encounter external circumstances, your heart is easily stirred. Your spirit may even be disturbed by demons, making it difficult for you to escape the suffering you face.

The Danger of Losing One's Way

When your Body-Mind-Spirit suffers, you lose your confidence, your right knowledge, and your right views. You were originally on the shore, ready to be saved from the ocean of karma, yet you choose to cast yourself back into those turbulent waters. You become, once again, a being in need of salvation. When the next opportunity for rescue will arrive, no one can say.

Buddhas and Bodhisattvas never cease their work to save beings and help them leave suffering behind. This is because they can clearly see the state of suffering that all beings endure. Their compassion arises naturally from this vision. Because ordinary people cannot see this with their physical eyes, they remain unaware of the true state of suffering that surrounds them.

The Vision of the Awakened

Those who have realised their true nature and those with open eyes possess the ability to open up space. They can perceive the various realms and dimensions, witnessing how beings experience both suffering and joy. For instance, they see:

• The various forms of torment endured in the hells.
• The light and blissful conditions enjoyed by those in the heavenly realms.
• The plight of those in the human world who are controlled by spiritual attachment and cannot act according to their own will.

Seeing these things, the awakened feel a deep sense of vigilance. They admonish the masses, urging them not to violate the Precepts, lest their spirits suffer such profound hardships.

A Path of Wisdom and Virtue

As a practitioner, you must possess wisdom and understand how to conduct yourself. Do not create any negative cause. Instead, keep a good heart, be a good person, perform good deeds, and speak kind words. The number of sentient beings is infinite, and the work of saving them is equally infinite. There are countless beings still waiting for your help. The mission to save beings and help them leave suffering behind will never stop.

Namo Amituofo.