Transcending the Duality of Good and Bad

Words of Namo Amituofo, recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe, on May 10, 2024.

The Illusion of Duality

Good and bad are merely distinctions created by the human heart. In reality, there is no such thing as good or bad. Everything arises from the same unified, equal essence. Yet, because of our confusion and wrong views, we drift further and further away from our true nature, and these dualities manifest in our lives. We must learn to see beyond these superficial labels.

Aligning with the Universal Principle

We must take the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way as our guide and abide by them. The laws of karma and cause and effect are natural occurrences; they govern the entire vastness of the Dharma Realm. Whether something is good or bad depends entirely on your heart and your actions. What you say and how you judge are all determined by your own mind.

Seeing Through the Heart

Good and bad are not fixed; they are not set in stone. Everything depends on whether your heart can see clearly. Do not rely solely on what you see before your eyes, for appearances are often deceptive. If you only act for your own benefit, you are acting out of selfishness. It is far better to act for the benefit of all beings. When you do this, the distinction between good and bad naturally becomes clear.

The Path to Rebirth

Keep your heart steady and follow the Buddha. Speak good words, perform good deeds, and maintain good thoughts. Your primary goal is to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. If you can reach a state of no-thought, where you only chant the name of the Buddha, then there is no good or bad—there is only the Buddha. There is nothing as pure and as good as the Buddha.

Achieving Buddha-Recitation Samadhi

Simply chant the sacred name of Namo Amituofo continuously. Chant without chanting, and do not chant while chanting. This is the auspicious sign of purification and the essential method for rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Everyone should focus their heart and diligently chant Namo Amituofo. Buddha-Recitation Samadhi is the ultimate skill. Having meditative concentration is the key to your practice. You must encourage yourself in this way every single day.

Namo Amituofo