The Boundless Nature of the Buddha-Heart

Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

The Boundless Nature of the Buddha-Heart

The Buddha-heart is boundless, far exceeding the scope of what human consciousness can conceive. The Buddha always walks within this world and the Dharma Realm for the sake of saving beings. The methods of salvation are adapted to the potential of each individual; they are not fixed, nor are they rigid or predetermined. Beings exist in a state of impermanence, caught in the cycle of joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness. Because their thoughts and behaviours change constantly, the Buddha employs different methods of teaching for the same being under different circumstances. This is the flexibility of the Buddha’s teachings, which is essential to achieving the goal of transformation.

The Fluidity of the Dharma

Whether responding to the unique potential of a being, or the specific time, place, and environment, the Buddha’s methods are always aimed at helping beings break through delusion and attain enlightenment, and to rediscover their true self. Therefore, for one who wishes to save beings, the primary requirement is meditative concentration. Only with a meditative concentration that is not shaken by external influences can one avoid being led astray by the very beings one intends to help.

The Direct Path of Chanting

In the Pure Land school, the most direct and convenient method to attain this meditative concentration is to chant Namo Amituofo. You should chant continuously, without interruption, until you reach the state of chanting without chanting, and without chanting, you are still chanting. The Buddha-name resonates within the heart and then begins orbiting the entire body. The Buddha-heart is boundless in its capacity, embracing everything without end. The Buddha will save one being after another, never abandoning a single one.

Compassion and Wisdom in Action

However, you must also approach this from a broader perspective, where compassion and Wisdom are both employed. The principle is to ensure that the practice of the majority of beings is not negatively affected. The Buddha-heart is boundless, and the Buddha-light shines brightly across the great thousand worlds. May all beings be able to escape the cycle of rebirth and the sufferings of birth, aging, sickness, and death. May all beings chant Namo Amituofo, make the vow to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, and have their wishes fulfilled. May we be able to save the people of this age of the Dharma’s decline, helping them rediscover their true self through diligent practice.

Namo Amituofo