The Unmoving Heart: A Path to Awakening

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

On the twenty-fourth of November, 2024, during the noon offering, Namo Amituofo provided the following discourse:

The Steadfastness of the Awakened

An unmoving heart is built upon unwavering faith in the Buddha. Those who have realised their true nature possess this unmoving heart. Even when they are faced with external doubt, criticism, or interference, they remain firm in their commitment to save the world and help all beings. They are not swayed by the changing conditions of the external world. This is the precious quality of those who have realised their true nature, and it offers a rare and golden opportunity for others to be saved from the suffering of birth and death, and to attain rebirth in the Western Pure Land.

Faith Amidst Adversity

For those who have not yet realised their true nature, faith in the Buddha is the anchor that keeps the heart steady. No matter how the external environment changes, even when the body suffers from illness, or when one faces slander, harsh words, or gossip, one must keep the heart unmoving. Do not let your faith in the Buddha waver. You must recognise that any suffering you experience is a reflection of your own shortcomings—perhaps a personality trait that has not yet been transformed—which has attracted karma to manifest.

The Process of Transformation

Beyond relying on the Buddha's blessings, and the practice of resolving conflicts with karmic creditors through mediation and spiritual deliverance, you must also deeply repent. Actively work to change your personality traits. This is how you stop the cycle of negative karma and transform it, creating the opportunity to realise your true nature. It is a path of diligent practice that requires both sincerity and action.

The Danger of a Wavering Heart

Conversely, those who have not realised their true nature, have not changed their personality, and lack faith in the Buddha, find their hearts easily shaken. When the slightest disturbance arises in the external world, or when the suffering of aging, sickness, and death manifests, they quickly lose their resolve. They may even resort to slander, creating further negative karma and intensifying the suffering of aging, sickness, and death.

The Essential Condition for Buddhahood

An unmoving heart is the hallmark of one who has realised their true nature. It is also the heart of one who learns from the Buddha, believes in the Buddha, and diligently practises to change their personality. This is a vital condition for attaining Buddhahood. When the external world moves, but the heart remains still, this is the skill of one who has achieved success in their practice, attained the Buddha-Recitation Samadhi, and realised their true nature. It is the heart of one who saves the world, a natural ability that manifests in those who practise diligently and according to the Dharma.

Namo Amituofo