Transcending the Illusion of Self and Other

Words of Namo Amituofo. Recorded by Venerable HaiZe on May 5, 2023.

Most people live their lives in a world defined by the rigid boundaries of you, me, and them. We live our lives in this world primarily for the sake of the self. We focus on our own learning, our own advancement, and the constant satisfaction of our physical needs. Because of this, we mistakenly believe that this physical body is the ultimate reality.

The Trap of the Physical Form

We become so attached to this body that we perform countless actions simply to satisfy its various sensations and desires. These actions do not exist in a vacuum; they trigger reactions in others, creating a complex web of Collective Karma. Whether these actions are rooted in Goodness or malice, they bind us further to the cycle of rebirth. How many of us realise that our fixation on the self is the very source of our suffering? It is this attachment that keeps us wandering in the world of confusion.

Embracing the Oneness of All Beings

To truly save beings, one must transcend the narrow boundaries of you and me. One must cultivate a vision of oneness, where all beings are seen as a single entity. This requires the total abandonment of selfishness, whether it is for one's own benefit or for the sake of one's family. You must learn to let go of your past, your present, and your future. There is only the present moment, and in this moment, you must focus entirely on chanting the sacred name of Namo Amituofo.

Returning to the Original Nature

When you stop making discriminations between yourself and others, you begin to see the truth. Every being originally possesses the same Buddha-nature. However, because of confusion and the weight of karmic obstacles, we find ourselves trapped in the burning house of the three realms, facing endless suffering. To return to your original state, you must remove these delusions and attain purity. Only by letting go of the illusion of you and me can you finally rediscover your true self. Let us walk this path together, leaving behind the small, confined self to embrace the vast, compassionate heart of the Buddha.

Namo Amituofo