Transforming Evil into Goodness: A Dialogue with Namo Amituofo
Teachings from Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su
Recorded on September 10, 2017
The Cry of Suffering Beings
The disciple asked: "Namo Amituofo. I beseech the Buddha to show and provide teachings for suffering beings, that they may escape the ocean of and leave suffering behind forever."
Namo Amituofo replied: "Who truly understands the depth of this sorrow? Who hears the desperate cries of those trapped in the darkness? Many regret their past actions, yet by the time they realise their mistakes, it is already too late. They find themselves in the deepest, darkest layers of the hells, where the sun never shines and the light of day is but a distant memory. In the crushing depths of the ocean of suffering, the water pressure is so immense that their bodies are flattened, and they cannot even draw a single breath.
In the regions of molten lava, their bodies are scorched and burned. They emit shrill, piercing sounds as they are torn apart, only to be reconstituted again and again. This cycle repeats endlessly. When will they ever be free? The time of their release seems infinitely remote. Within the Avici Hell, the number of beings suffering in this manner is beyond calculation.
The Lesson of the Open Mind
Many of these beings were once monastics who were famous in their time. They were once respected by all, yet they fell into this state because of a single moment of narrow-mindedness. They could not tolerate others, and they failed to appreciate the excellence of their fellow practitioners. You must learn to open your heart and mind to welcome all virtuous monastics. Many of these beings have come from the to assist in the work of the Western Pure Land. They gather at the seat of Namo Amituofo to help those with karmic affinity enter the Western Pure Land.
Today, during the , countless external Bodhisattvas from the cosmos have gathered to participate. Namo Amituofo praises this gathering. For those who have wandered far, the desire to turn back is the first step. By manifesting the power of goodness and sincerely repenting before the Buddha for past regrets, one can begin to heal the wounds inflicted upon others. It is my sincere wish that this karmic connection be transformed.
Transforming Resentment into Gratitude
The world is filled with grievances, tangled and knotted just as they were in the beginning. The external Bodhisattvas from the cosmos understand this clearly. Often, these grievances only lead to further resentment, creating a cycle that never ends. However, when one manifests the power of the , this resentment can be transformed into gratitude. This transformation is entirely created by the heart and mind.
Observe how one should act. With the Buddha's eyes, one can see the path clearly. Everywhere you go, you can transform these connections; at every moment, you can shift the environment. Consider the following shifts in your practice:
- From Evil to Good: You must consciously turn away from harmful actions and cultivate wholesome deeds.
- From Deviation to the Right Path: You must correct your course, moving away from misguided paths and aligning yourself with the Truth.
- From Impurity to Purity: You must purify your intentions, ensuring that your actions are driven by a sincere heart.
You must put in the work within your own heart and mind. Everything is transformed by the mind. By sincerely saving all spirits, you can use your merit to atone for your past sins. According to the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way, merit and demerit do not simply cancel each other out, but through sincere practice, one can reduce and eliminate karmic debt.
The Path of the Dharma Boat
If you can truly put in the work within your heart, you can even reach a state of 'no-mind.' To save beings without attachment is the ultimate achievement in your practice. Namo Amituofo is delighted to see all connections become good connections. Whether in the six realms of existence or beyond, the flames of hell can be transformed into red lotus flowers. I will save all those with karmic affinity, regardless of who they are. As long as you are willing, Practitioner Su will assist you in this journey.
The magnificent Dharma affinity has manifested. Countless suffering beings are waiting for you to lead them toward rebirth in the Western Pure Land. You must grasp this rare and precious environment. At Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, Namo Amituofo truly abides. The Dharma boat has already set sail. It continues its journey, picking up beings along the way. Spirits throughout the vastness of the Dharma Realm should cherish this very moment. For the countless beings who wish to turn back, the path is now open for a direct voyage to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss."
Recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.
Namo Amituofo
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About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
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