The Wisdom of the Minute
A Discourse from Namo Amituofo, Recorded by Venerable HaiZe
April 7, 2023
The Illusion of Grandeur
People in this world are often fond of greatness. They crave great , great longevity, vast lands, grand houses, high-ranking officials, and prestigious positions. In the world, such greatness symbolises status, wealth, reputation, and blessings. Conversely, the opposite is smallness—a lack of blessings, a short life, small lands, humble dwellings, minor officials, low positions, and common citizens—which are often seen as meagre and insignificant.
Worldly phenomena are often caught in a state of relativity, forming the standards by which people make discriminations and judgments. This fosters a habit that causes people to overlook inner virtue and the cultivation of character. From this, the laws of and cause and effect arise. These various situations become the causes of the present, which lead to the fruits of the future; these fruits then become new causes, and thus, the cycle of being reincarnated continues endlessly.
The Perspective of the Buddha’s Teachings
In the Buddha’s teachings, the primary focus is on the heart and inner state of beings—that is, the condition of the heart and spirit. We understand that all external phenomena are illusory, transformed by the heart. Because the heart manifests various discriminations, it creates the six realms of existence, the four holy states, and a life filled with suffering, , sorrow, and parting.
Within these discriminations, concepts, and views, people awaken the and the causes and effects corresponding to their past lives, manifesting various people, events, and environments. Combined with the experiences and actions of this life, this generates a complex web of karmic conditions and the causes and effects.
The Inward Journey of the Spirit
In the world, people are busy for the sake of ’s needs—chasing after illusory phenomena that cannot be taken with them—and pursuing the desires and sensations of the body. In contrast, the practice involves exploring and developing the inner self, reflecting and repenting, maintaining a pure heart, and chanting Buddha's name.
Do not look down upon the small, nor revere the great, for whether something is minute or grand, it is all created by the character of beings. Because the character of beings differs, various discriminations arise. Yet, every being possesses the true self, Buddha-nature, and Buddha-heart. This is the true 'I,' not the 'I' that is busy chasing the satisfaction of illusory environments.
to the True Self
Therefore, in practice, one will not be swayed by the character and actions of others, nor will one create discriminations or inequality. It is only because of my delusion that I have created various discriminations and attachments. If one truly understands the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way, one will remain unmoved when facing external situations and will not create negative causes.
Do not act out of worldly intent; because there is no attachment, one can act selflessly for the sake of all beings. Do not avoid the small; treat everyone with sincere and heartfelt respect. Namo Amituofo.
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About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library