Humbly Accepting Teachings

Recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

My dear children, the Dharma Realm is vast and boundless. Before one reaches the state of an awakened being, there are countless truths yet to be understood and infinite mysteries yet to be unravelled. We often believe that by studying more, we are advancing, but we must pause to consider the true nature of our progress.

The True Measure of Your Practice

Even if you possess vast knowledge, have studied the sutras deeply, and are considered highly learned, you must ask yourself: has this knowledge truly transformed your life? Consider these questions carefully:

• Have your afflictions decreased as a result of your studies?
• Does a genuine, compassionate smile now grace your face more often?
• Has your mind-capacity expanded to embrace all beings with kindness?
• Has your compassion truly grown, and has your Wisdom been revealed?
• Have you finally managed to let go of the people, matters, and environments you once clung to so tightly?

If you can honestly answer that you have achieved these things, then it is clear that your learning has entered your heart and is manifesting in your daily actions. However, if your answers are mixed—if you find yourself wavering between certainty and doubt, or if you must admit that these changes have not taken root—then your learning has not yet reached the core of your being. Your practice remains skewed, and you are still suffering. You are finding it difficult to be the master of your own life, and you remain trapped in cycles of confusion.

The Path to Liberation

If you find yourself in this state, you must return to the basics. You must listen to sutras and hear the Dharma with a sincere heart. You must humbly accept the teachings, rise up to put them into practice, and resolve to change your ways. Only then will you find a way to resolve the suffering of your body, heart, and spirit and find the salvation you seek.

Do not be selective about who you learn from. Regardless of a person's age or where they come from, if their practice is genuine and their skills are mature, they are a worthy teacher. You must be willing to learn from them with an open and humble mind.

Acknowledging Our Shortcomings

You must acknowledge that you still possess many deficiencies. You have not yet fully corrected your personal ego and selfishness. You are still bound by Greed, Anger, Ignorance, Arrogance, and Doubt, and you have not yet severed your attachment to wealth, lust, fame, food, and sleep. This is precisely why you are still reincarnated as ordinary people in this world.

Therefore, you must be humble and modest. By humbly accepting the teachings, your practice will finally begin to progress, leading you toward becoming an awakened being and eventual rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Opening the Gate to Buddhahood

Humbly accepting the teachings is the key that unlocks the door to attaining Buddhahood. It allows the profound Dharma to enter your heart, effectively purifying the body, heart, and spirit. This is the only way to truly attain Buddhahood and fulfil the purpose of your existence.

Namo Amituofo