Nothingness and Existence: A Discourse on the Heart

The Ocean of the Heart

During the Thrice Yearning Ceremony held on the twenty-first of June, 2020, Namo Amituofo offered a profound teaching on the nature of our hearts and the illusions we carry. The heart is often like a vast, turbulent ocean, filled with the complex emotions of gratitude and resentment. We frequently ask ourselves: when will the clouds part, and when will the heavens finally open to reveal the light of the Truth?

Yet, when we look back, there is often no answer to be found. We speak of what has been, but this only invites sorrow and keeps us trapped in the cycle of dwelling on the past. These memories are like shadows; they have already passed, and they need not exist in our present reality. Why must we continue to bring them up and burden our spirits with what is already gone?

The Gentle Flow of Sincerity

Instead of clinging to the turbulent waves of past grievances, let your heart be like a gentle, flowing stream. It moves steadily and quietly, not as a crashing wave, but as a constant, peaceful presence. This is the true state of a mind that is beginning to settle. We must ask ourselves: when will we truly awaken to this reality?

The path to awakening requires us to be present. In this very moment, if you can cultivate a sincere heart, you will find that by letting go of the attachments we perceive as 'nothingness,' you will actually gain everything. This is the paradox of the spiritual path: when you stop grasping at the transient, you finally possess the eternal.

The Joy of an Awakened Being

The joy of an awakened being is not found in the external world, but in the purity of one's own nature. If you follow this path with dedication, your practice will naturally align with the wisdom of the Buddha. If your intention is pure and your vows are firm, Namo Amituofo will always be with you, guiding your every step toward the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Do not let the past dictate your future. By purifying your heart and mind, you leave suffering behind and find the happiness that is your original birthright. May all beings realise their true nature and walk the Right Way, guided by the infinite compassion of Namo Amituofo.

Recorded by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe.

Namo Amituofo