Finding Your Original Self

The Endless Journey Through the Realms

Throughout the infinite span of time, each of us has wandered through the six realms of existence. We have lived in this world and in countless others, assuming a vast array of different roles and identities. We have appeared in various forms and guises, sometimes with a physical body and sometimes as a spirit without a body, existing across different dimensions of space.

In these long cycles of rebirth, we have experienced the full spectrum of existence. We have known both good and evil, suffering and joy, and we have tasted every flavour of life—from the sweetest moments of happiness to the most bitter depths of sorrow. We have endured the cycle of birth, aging, sickness, and death, and we have suffered the pain of separation from those we love, countless times over.

The Storehouse of Our Past

Today, most of these experiences have faded from our conscious memory, leaving us only with the fragments of our current life. However, these past experiences are not truly lost. They are all recorded and stored within our Alaya consciousness. This storehouse holds the seeds of every action, word, and thought we have ever generated across all our lifetimes.

Through the diligent practice of purification, we can begin to access these hidden layers of our history. If one chooses to look, these past events can be seen with absolute clarity. If one chooses not to look, they remain dormant. Sometimes, these memories may surface like scenes from a film, playing out before our eyes. When this happens, we must immediately cultivate a heart of shame and sincere repentance, acknowledging the immense karmic debt we have created through our past confusion and ignorance.

Breaking the Cycle of Karma

We must no longer allow our personal ego, habits, and selfishness to dictate our actions. These tendencies only serve to stir up our past karma, causing it to manifest in the present and pulling us back into the turbulent ocean of the cycle of rebirth. We must know when to stop. We must recognise that the time for indulgence has passed and the time for discipline has arrived.

You must understand that your efforts and diligent practice in this life are the foundation for your future success. When you eventually reach the state of an awakened being, you will possess the true attainment necessary to save the beings with whom you share a karmic connection, as well as your own family members who are still suffering.

The Path to Rebirth and Renewal

The most direct and effective method for this transformation is to chant Namo Amituofo all the way. This practice is powerful enough to purify your body, mind, and spirit, as well as the spirits of the beings who reside within you. You must use the power of your vows to transform your karma. By letting go of the self that is bound by karmic debt and focusing on adjusting your heart and changing your ways, you grant yourself a precious opportunity for rebirth.

This is the path to finding your original self—the pure, luminous nature that has always been within you, waiting to be rediscovered. Through unwavering faith and practice, you can leave the suffering of the six realms behind and return to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Namo Amituofo