When Will You Truly Awaken?

The Essence of Awakening

Words of Namo Amituofo, recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe, on November 25, 2023.

What does it truly mean to be awake? To be awake is to possess a profound awareness where everything becomes clear. When you are awake, you walk the right path and no longer follow the paths of confusion. You are pure and no longer stained by the dust of the world. You have attained true insight and are no longer lost in delusion.

The Pillars of the Awakened Mind

Awakening is not merely a concept; it is a state of being reflected in your daily practice. When you are truly awake, you embody the following virtues: Precepts, where you are guided by discipline and are no longer driven by greed; meditative concentration, where you possess a steady mind and are no longer swayed by anger; and wisdom, where you see the truth of reality and are no longer clouded by ignorance. You remain humble and modest, having completely abandoned arrogance, and you possess unwavering faith in yourself and in the Buddha, having transcended all doubt.

When you are awake, you treat all beings with boundless compassion. You act with a selfless heart, having let go of the ego, focusing entirely on the welfare of all beings. When will you pass through this gate and truly awaken? It is the moment your inner light shines upon the entire universe. When will you be able to let go of the self and no longer be troubled by personal worries? That is the very moment you achieve true awakening.

Harmony and the Transformation of Reality

True awakening is found when you realise that you and others are one. When you are well, others are well; when others are well, you are well. If you can cultivate this state of mind, you are waking up from the dream of separation. Everything can be transformed for the better when your heart is settled and unmoving, undisturbed by external circumstances. This is the power of meditative concentration.

When you are truly awake, you live in a state of constant clarity, free from the darkness of confusion. You see only Goodness and no longer dwell in evil. You learn to view things with a positive heart, allowing you to transform your environment rather than being turned by it. You are no longer obsessed with emotional attachments, nor are you distracted by worldly affairs. This is the true mark of one who has awakened.

The Importance of Listening

If you can truly listen to the teachings of Namo Amituofo, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, and Practitioner Su, you will find the path forward. Pay special attention to the guidance and counseling provided by Practitioner Su. If you can immediately change your ways and never repeat your past mistakes, you have truly heard the message and have begun to awaken. Only then can your practice progress, allowing you to see your true nature.

Namo Amituofo