Walking the Path with Steadfast Resolve

Teachings from Namo Amituofo, recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

On the twenty-ninth of June, 2025, during the first session, Namo Amituofo offered these profound teachings on the nature of our spiritual journey.

The Essence of Steadfast Practice

To walk the path with steadfast resolve means to be truly grounded in your practice. It is to move forward step by step, with each footprint marking a genuine effort to align your life with the Dharma. This is not a path for the superficial or the half-hearted. You must avoid the traps of being overly dramatic or living your life in a state of careless indifference. Do not let your practice be dictated by mere whims or a lackadaisical attitude. Instead, you must be diligent in your speech and cautious in your actions, ensuring that every single step you take is deliberate and sincere.

Navigating the Sea of Samsara

We are currently adrift in the vast ocean of the cycle of rebirth. Within this turbulent sea, the forces of our past karma are constantly seeking to manifest. The Five Poisons and the Five Desires are always waiting for an opportunity to strike at your heart:

• The Five Poisons: Greed, anger, delusion, arrogance, and doubt.
• The Five Desires: Wealth, lust, fame, food, and sleep.

These negative influences are always looking for a gap in your awareness to infiltrate your mind. How many of you can truly see the real face of these poisons and desires? If you cannot recognise them, you will inevitably fall into their traps and continue to sink deeper into the six realms of existence. You must remain vigilant, for your heart is the master that governs the transformation of your body and spirit.

Cultivating an Upright Heart

Because your heart dictates the direction of your life, you must constantly examine every thought and intention that arises within you. Ask yourself: Is my mind currently resting in an Upright Heart and Right Mind? Do you truly have faith in the Buddha? Are you following the vows you have made as you move forward? You must arouse the Bodhi mind and single-mindedly recite Namo Amituofo, maintaining this practice with steadfast resolve, never allowing it to be interrupted.

The Journey to Awakening

Whether you are walking on flat, easy ground or navigating a difficult, winding road, you must continue to walk with steadfast resolve. Do not be concerned with your own safety or comfort; let your only wish be to help all beings leave suffering behind. The fruit of Awakening is not something that can be obtained easily or by chance. It is the result of a long process of removing defilements and attaining purity. You must thoroughly change your personality traits and ensure that every step you take is firm and grounded.

In this limited life, you must be willing to let go of your personal opinions, your subjective views, and your deep-seated attachments. You must be ready to receive the teachings from Namo Amituofo, the guidance of Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, and the counseling of Practitioner Su. You must overcome the ego—do not let your own feelings, your own perceptions, your own thoughts, or your own consciousness dictate your path. Instead, focus your energy on diligent practice:

• Chanting the name of Namo Amituofo
• Performing prostrations to the Buddha
• Reciting the Sutras

By walking the path with such steadfast resolve, you will surely reach the moment when you can transform your karma and attain Awakening. Namo Amituofo.