Where Do I Come From? The Path to the True Self
Teachings from Namo Amituofo
Recorded on November 11, 2023
Recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.
Teachings from Namo Amituofo:
Where do I come from? I come from the heart. Before one becomes an awakened being, the situations of one's heart determine where the spirit will go. The physical body is merely one destination in the cycle of being reincarnated for the heart and spirit. It offers a precious opportunity to use this temporary body to find the eternal truth, yet the heart often remains unaware of this.
The Illusion of the Physical Body
People identify with the physical body. They believe that this flesh and bone is who they truly are. However, only through diligent practice does one realise that this body can be used as a vessel to elevate the quality of one's spirit. If one's inner eye is opened, one will see that this physical body is vastly different from the true self. The true self is the self-nature, which can only be revealed through a process of purification, removing defilements and attaining purity.
The Eternal Nature of the Self
Where do the self-nature and Buddha-nature come from? They come from our original, inherent state. Therefore, they are eternal; they never disappear, never change, and are always constant and pure. In contrast, the worldly self is the self caught in the cycle of . It is accompanied by confusion, the "self," personal ego, and selfishness, and impermanence. These are all variables and defilements; thus, this worldly self is filled with instability and impurity. Only by clearing away and washing clean these variables can one have the opportunity to see the original self.
Clearing the Path to Truth
The worldly self mistakenly believes is the true self. People live amidst infinitely layered desires, constantly seeking satisfaction in the external world. Everyone learns and believes in this cycle of attachment, but how can they ever see the truth while trapped in such a state? To see the truth, one must look inward, past the layers of desire and the noise of the world.
The Wisdom of the Buddha
Where does the Buddha come from? The Buddha comes from seeing the truth. The so-called truth is the self-nature. The self-nature is without a single trace of defilement; it is found in the state of nothingness, where the ego no longer holds sway. So, must we not become like the Buddha, dwelling in cool, liberated, and selfless states? We must strive to attain the wisdom of knowing nothing yet knowing everything, where the mind is perfectly still and clear, reflecting the infinite light of the universe.
Namo Amituofo
More by Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
The Final Curtain Call of Chu Ke-liang
A candid reflection from the late Taiwanese entertainer Chu Ke-liang on his life, his career, the karmic weight of his influence, and his ultimate deliverance to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.
The Soul's True Equality: A Conversation with Mahatma Gandhi
This is a record of an interview with Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life and his journey to the Pure Land.
A Reflection from the Western Pure Land
This is a record of an interview with Zhao Puchu, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life in the 20th century. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa Hui, on April 18, 2026.
The Truth Behind My Rebirth: A Message from Liu Suqing
Liu Suqing, the elder sister of the renowned practitioner Liu Suyun, shares her harrowing journey through the spirit realms and her ultimate deliverance to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss through the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre.
The Burden of a Historical Name
This is a record of an interview with Lin Biao, who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life approximately 54 years ago. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa, on May 18, 2026.
The Poet’s Journey to the Western Pure Land
A reflection on the life, tragedy, and ultimate spiritual liberation of the ancient statesman Qu Yuan, who found peace through the teachings of Practitioner Su.
About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library