The Wisdom of the Buddha: Letting Go of the Self

Recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe

Teachings from Namo Amituofo:

My children, do you often find yourselves caught in the belief that you are simply who you think you are? Do you feel that this sense of 'I' and 'me' is the constant companion that never leaves your side, 24/7? You identify so strongly with your physical body, your fleeting thoughts, and your personal desires. You may ask, how can one possibly stop thinking of oneself? How can one truly let go of this persistent 'I'?

The Paradox of the Human Form

The path of practice often presents us with a profound paradox. On one hand, we are taught that we must not cling to the self. We are encouraged to sacrifice oneself for others, to put aside our personal needs, and to work for the benefit of all beings. Yet, on the other hand, we are told that it is extremely rare and precious to get a human body. We are taught that we must use this 'temporary' body 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 an awakened being.

So, how are you to navigate this? How do you balance the need to transcend the self while cherishing the vessel that allows you to practise? The answer lies in the simplicity of the Buddha-name.

The Constant Flow of the Buddha-Name

My children, if you 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 24/7, 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 heart.

This is the core of your daily life. Whether you are eating, dressing, sleeping, walking, working, drinking water, or purifying your body, you must keep the Buddha-name flowing. 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 True Path to Awakening

When your heart is filled with the constant flow of the Buddha-name, your eyes will see only Namo Amituofo, and your mouth will speak only the name. Even when your nose detects a scent or you must make a choice, let everything be an expression of Namo Amituofo. There should be no other thoughts, no other desires. Even when you are busy handling complex affairs, the name of Namo Amituofo must remain in your heart.

This is the state of 'external movement with an internal stillness.' No matter how your body moves or what tasks you perform, your heart remains anchored in the Buddha-name, until you reach the state where you chant without the thought of chanting, and the chanting continues even in the absence of thought. Of course, while your body is active, ensure that your actions and words are rooted in Goodness, not evil. Act for the sake of all beings, not for your own benefit. Keep the Buddha-name flowing, and walk the path with diligent practice.

Eat to nourish your body so that you have the energy to practise, but do so with moderation. Never forget to chant while you walk. In all your movements—standing, walking, sitting, and lying down—and in all your daily needs, keep the Buddha-name at the centre of your life. Practise with diligent practice so that you may soon realise your true nature. When you do this, you will inspire all beings who hear the Buddha-name to join you in chanting. This is the true cultivation of the heart.

Namo Amituofo