The Wisdom of Namo Amituofo: Letting Go of the Self

My dear children, do you often find yourselves ensnared in the persistent belief that you are merely the person you perceive yourself to be? Do you feel that this rigid sense of 'I' and 'me' is a constant, inseparable companion that never leaves your side, not even for a single moment throughout the day and night? You identify so deeply and intensely with your physical body, your fleeting, transient thoughts, and your endless personal desires. You may ask, how can one possibly stop thinking of oneself? How, then, can one truly release the grip of this persistent, illusory 'I'?

The Paradox of the Human Form

The path of practice often presents us with a profound and challenging paradox. On one hand, we are taught that we must not cling to the self. We are encouraged to sacrifice our own interests for the sake of others, to put aside our personal needs, and to work tirelessly for the benefit of all sentient beings. Yet, on the other hand, we are told that it is extremely rare and precious to obtain a human body. We are taught that we must use this temporary, fragile vessel to find the eternal truth, for it is only through this human form that one can realise one's true nature and reach the state of Awakening.

So, how will you navigate this delicate balance? How do you reconcile the need to transcend the self while simultaneously cherishing the vessel that allows you to practise? The answer lies in the profound simplicity of the name of Namo Amituofo.

The Constant Flow of the Buddha-Name

My children, if you truly wish to stop thinking of yourself, then simply chant the name of Namo Amituofo. Do you remember the guidance provided by Practitioner Su and the teachings we have shared? We must maintain the practice of chanting Namo Amituofo twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, ensuring the Buddha-name is never interrupted. Do not overthink; do not get lost in the labyrinth of your own mind. Just chant, and move forward with a sincere and devoted heart.

This is the core of your daily life. Whether you are engaged in the most mundane or the most significant tasks, you must keep the Buddha-name flowing. This includes:

• Eating your meals, ensuring your mind remains focused on the Buddha.
• Dressing yourself, using the time to reflect on the Buddha's grace.
• Sleeping, letting the name be the last thing in your mind as you drift off.
• Walking, turning every step into a rhythmic recitation.
• Working, keeping your heart anchored in the Buddha-name despite the demands of your tasks.
• Drinking water, acknowledging the purity of the Dharma.
• Purifying your body, using the time to cleanse your mind as well.

Even when you are in the restroom, the chanting should continue. Do not let your mind wander into idle thoughts or unnecessary speech. When you are performing your daily tasks, simply do them with full attention, but keep your heart anchored in the Buddha-name.

Maintaining Stillness Amidst Movement

When you are engaged in your daily activities, do not dwell on what you are doing or the concerns related to those tasks. Simply perform the action, and let your heart, your mouth, your ears, and your eyes be filled with the name of Namo Amituofo. Your heart should hold only Namo Amituofo; your mouth should speak only the name; and your eyes should perceive only the presence of Namo Amituofo.

In this very moment, whoever you encounter and whatever you see, recognise that they are a Buddha. See them as Namo Amituofo. Keep chanting without interruption. This is the key. Your ears must remain focused on the sound of the Buddha-name, maintaining a state of meditative concentration. If you lose this focus and the chanting stops, you have been led away by external circumstances. This is why many find it difficult to maintain their practice when faced with the challenges of the world.

The Unbroken Flow of the Buddha-Name

When your heart is truly filled with the constant, rhythmic flow of the Buddha-name, your perspective on the world undergoes a profound transformation. Your eyes will begin to see only the presence of Namo Amituofo in all things, and your mouth will naturally speak only the sacred name. Even when your nose detects a scent, or when you are faced with a difficult choice in your daily life, let every reaction be an expression of Namo Amituofo. There should be no room for other thoughts, no lingering desires for worldly gain, and no distractions from the ego. Even when you are deeply occupied with handling complex worldly affairs, the name of Namo Amituofo must remain firmly anchored in your heart, like a steady flame that cannot be extinguished by the winds of circumstance.

External Movement and Internal Stillness

This is the sacred state of external movement with an internal stillness. No matter how your body moves through the world or what demanding tasks you must perform, your heart remains securely anchored in the Buddha-name. You must continue this practice until you reach the state where you chant without the conscious thought of chanting, and the chanting continues even in the absence of deliberate thought. This is the ultimate goal of our practice: to have the Buddha-name become the very pulse of your existence.

Of course, while your body is active in the world, you must ensure that your actions and words are rooted in the following principles:

• Rooted in Goodness: Ensure that every action is a manifestation of kindness, not evil.
• Selfless Service: Act for the sake of all suffering beings, rather than for your own personal benefit or comfort.
• Diligence: Keep the Buddha-name flowing through your mind, and walk the path with unwavering, diligent practice.

The Daily Practice of a Pure Land Practitioner

Eat to nourish your body so that you have the necessary energy to continue your practice, but always do so with moderation and mindfulness. Never forget to chant while you walk, for every step can be a prayer. In all your movements, you must keep the Buddha-name at the centre of your life:

• Standing: Maintain the presence of Namo Amituofo in your posture and your intent.
• Walking: Let every step be a rhythmic meditation on the name.
• Sitting: Allow your mind to settle into the deep, tranquil light of the Buddha.
• Lying down: Rest your spirit in the embrace of Namo Amituofo, ensuring your final thoughts of the day are of the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

In all your daily needs, keep the Buddha-name as your primary focus. Practise with diligent practice so that you may soon realise your true nature. This is the path to Awakening and Buddhahood.

The Ripple Effect of Compassion

When you commit yourself to this path, you will find that your presence begins to change the environment around you. You will inspire all beings who hear the Buddha-name to join you in chanting, creating a ripple effect of peace and liberation. This is the true cultivation of the heart—to not only save yourself but to become a beacon of light for others. By living in accordance with the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way, you are fulfilling your purpose as a disciple of the Buddha. May you always remain steadfast in your devotion, leaving suffering behind and finding the ultimate happiness that awaits in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Namo Amituofo