The Wisdom of the Flowing Stream

Words of Namo Amituofo, recorded by Venerable HaiZe.

December 9, 2022

The Unceasing Flow of Life

The murmuring stream is like pure water. It does not discriminate; it offers purification to everything it touches. It flows peacefully through mountains, valleys, plains, and slopes. It travels through wild lands, quiet villages, and bustling cities alike. The water is so clear that one can see right to the bottom. The stones, the sand, the water plants, the shrimp, and the fish—all these living things are visible, moving about in their own free and easy way. This is the natural state of a mind that has begun to find its own clarity.

Adapting to the Terrain of Existence

After flowing steadily and calmly, the stream sometimes encounters changes in the terrain. Suddenly, it shifts, racing forward like a swift horse. Then, just as quickly, it returns to a steady, gentle pace, recovering its original, murmuring rhythm. No matter how the terrain or the external environment changes, the water is able to adapt and turn accordingly. Wherever it goes, it brings purification and integrates with its surroundings. Yet, it never loses the original nature of pure water. This quality of following conditions and adapting to circumstances is something that all Buddhist practitioners should learn to practise.

Letting the Mind Settle

The impurities within our hearts—our delusion, discrimination, and attachment—are like the mud at the bottom of a riverbed. Do not go and stir them up. Instead, allow them to settle naturally while the surface of the water remains calm. Use the Buddha-name to soothe your heart and mind, and do not allow any further contamination to enter. When you keep your mind focused on chanting Namo Amituofo, you prevent new ripples of desire and worry from clouding your clarity. By maintaining this steady practice, you ensure that your inner world remains as tranquil as a still, deep pool.

The Radiance of Buddha-light

When the Causal Conditions mature, the Buddha-light illuminates the entire land and the flowing stream. This light will penetrate and purify both the water and the mud at the bottom. Everything will become bright, clear, and transparent. This is the moment when your purification is complete and your true nature is revealed. We must strive to reach this state of absolute clarity, where the light of the Buddha shines through every aspect of our being, washing away the remnants of our past karma and guiding us toward the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Namo Amituofo