Short-term Goals for the Path to Awakening

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

The Path of Vows and Awakening

In your practice, it is essential to first establish a clear vow. Once this vow is set, you must rely upon it to guide your actions, moving forward step by step from where you currently stand. Do not be discouraged by the distance ahead; focus instead on the immediate, achievable milestones that lead you closer to your ultimate destination.

For those who aspire to be an awakened being, reaching the state of no-self is a natural and necessary process. This is the direction in which all practitioners must strive. Therefore, first reach the short-term goal of forgetting the self—forgetting the existence of the I—and proceed from there to enter the state of no-self.

The Uninterrupted Flow of the Buddha-Name

The best method to achieve this forgetting the self is to chant one Buddha's name to the end. Chant until you reach the point of forgetting the self, forgetting that there is a you who is chanting. You will enter a state of chanting while not chanting, and not chanting while still chanting, continuing directly without interruption. Eventually, you will reach the state of no-self, where the I who is chanting disappears, yet you are able to maintain the continuous chanting of Buddha's name 24/7.

The existence of the I is the greatest affliction in your practice. Because there is an I and a physical body, karma operates, and you are subject to the interference of karmic creditors who seek revenge and repay grievances, which creates obstacles in your practice. However, this is also an opportunity; if you can face and overcome these challenges, it marks a moment of breakthrough and progress in your practice. It is both a crisis and a turning point.

The Two-Fold Path of Pure Land Practice

At the same time, you must make good use of the two-fold path of the Pure Land, where self-power arises and you receive Buddha's blessings. Chanting Buddha's name, prostrations, and reciting the Sutras are your daily practice, serving as the most fundamental, effective, and powerful methods.

Among these, chanting Buddha's name is the most convenient method, as it can be practised anytime, anywhere, and in any situation without restriction. It is the most accessible way to achieve forgetting the self and no-self.

The Swift Remedy for the Soul

Through the Buddha's blessings, chanting Buddha's name can soften your personality traits, and through the continuous chanting of Buddha's name, you can dissolve karma. Consequently, you can change your personality traits and stop the karmic creditors from seeking revenge and repaying grievances. Furthermore, it can improve or resolve states of being drowsy and the inability to maintain control over your own space. This is truly an excellent remedy for progress in Pure Land practice and the fastest way to reach your short-term goals.

Maintaining the continuous chanting of Buddha's name, and proceeding to chant one Buddha's name to the end, is the most convenient and rapid method from the initial aspiration to Buddhahood. Namo Amituofo.