Daily Progress is Our Original Nature

Words of Namo Amituofo, recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

On the seventh of December, 2024, during the noon offering, Namo Amituofo provided these teachings:

The Infinite Potential of Your True Self

Within your true self, there is nothing you do not know and nothing you cannot do. It is originally empty, yet it encompasses all things in the universe. However, because of the pollution we have accumulated, this state of emptiness and all-encompassing capacity has become obscured. As we wander through the cycle of rebirth, layer upon layer of defilement covers our true self, dimming its natural brilliance.

The heavier this pollution becomes, the more difficult it is to transform your personal ego, habits, and selfishness. When these defilements take root, they manifest in several ways:

• Negative thoughts, actions, and speech that create further karmic obstacles.
• A tendency toward rebellious behaviour that resists the truth.
• Deep-seated attachments to the Five Poisons and the Five Desires, which are difficult to sever.

The Path of Diligent Purification

If you wish to enter the path of practice, you must be diligent. You must use a heart that seeks only the Goodness of the Dharma to purify these stains. Active and persistent practice is the essential condition for your purification. You must apply yourself with unwavering focus in the following areas:

• Chanting Namo Amituofo: Maintaining the Buddha-name with sincerity and focus.
• Transforming the Ego: Working hard to change your selfish personality and personal attachments.
• Consistency in Daily Practice: Ensuring your daily lessons are never interrupted.
• Listening to the Dharma: Regularly hearing the sutras to nourish your Wisdom.
• Overcoming Drowsiness: Actively working to improve your state of mind so that you do not fall into a drowsy, scattered, or empty space during your practice.
• Chanting to the End: Committing to chant one Buddha's name to the end, without wavering.

Measuring Your Growth

If you make progress every single day, you will begin to see the fruits of your labour. Ask yourself these questions to gauge your development:

• Has your compassion and Wisdom grown since you began?
• Has your capacity to encompass others and your mind-capacity deepened and widened?

When you reach the point where your heart can encompass everything, and you feel yourself becoming one with the earth, the heavens, and all living things, that is the moment of Awakening. Within your true self, you have always possessed infinite Wisdom, virtuous abilities, and auspicious characteristics. Through active and persistent practice, you can see your true nature sooner rather than later. Daily progress is your original nature, and it is the path back to who you truly are.

Namo Amituofo