The Voice of the Heart: Teachings from Namo Amituofo
Recorded by Venerable HaiZe
September 2, 2022
Words of Namo Amituofo, recorded by Venerable HaiZe.
The heart is the sovereign of all existence. It possesses the profound power to govern every action, thought, and intention. Because it is so versatile and dynamic, it can manifest in infinite ways. Depending on which of the six realms of existence the heart finds itself in, it will emit a different voice, reflecting the state of its own journey through the cycle of being reincarnated.
The Echoes of Suffering in the Lower Realms
If the heart falls into the hells, it cries out in despair, agony, and piercing screams. If it enters the ghost realm, it emits sounds of desperate craving, hunger, and pleas for relief that can never be satisfied. In the animal realm, the heart is trapped within the limitations of 's instincts. It makes the sounds of chickens, insects, birds, frogs, lions, wolves, and monkeys. The heart here is passive, simply following the of the body without any agency or higher purpose. It drifts wherever the currents of karma take it.
The Fluctuating Heart of the Human and Celestial Realms
In the human world, if one is virtuous, the heart emits a voice of kindness, harmony, and warmth. If one is wicked, the heart emits a voice of injustice, selfishness, and chaos. For those who are a mix of both, the heart fluctuates between Goodness and evil, creating an inconsistent and unstable sound. In the Celestial Realm, the heart radiates satisfaction and . However, in the realm of the asuras, the heart is filled with the sounds of anger, resentment, and conflict.
The Wandering Heart and the Stillness of the Mountain
Often, the heart is as light as a feather, drifting with the wind. It lands and rises without a fixed place, and we mistakenly believe that this is the nature of life itself. We do not know that there is a true self, an original nature, that exists beyond this constant blowing and falling. We are merely aware of the sounds of being blown about by the winds of circumstance. Yet, the heart can also be as immovable as a mountain. It can remain unaffected by external conditions and, in turn, transform those conditions through meditative concentration.
The Pure Voice of the Awakened Being
Those who have realised their true nature possess a heart that is pure and full of Goodness. In its original state, it is essentially no-heart—silent, tranquil, and soundless. Yet, when the need arises to save sentient beings, it can manifest the voices of all six realms and the entire universe. It all depends on how you take charge of your own heart. This heart is priceless. No matter where you are, the heart of your true self is always free and at ease. Namo Amituofo.
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About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library