Living in this world, our bodies and minds are often exhausted by constant toil. We find ourselves caught in a cycle of endless running about, driven by the momentum of our past . Much of this busyness is focused entirely on : we work for our own benefit, strive for private interests, and labour tirelessly for the sake of our families. While this may seem like a necessary part of life, it is often a manifestation of our deep-seated attachments.
In the Buddha’s gate, however, we are invited to step out of this cycle. When we engage in spiritual practice, we begin the process of Body-Mind-Spirit purification. We accept the teachings of the , which act as a mirror to our true nature. If our spirit is fully integrated within our body, we will naturally manifest a sense of stability and profound peace. However, if our spirit is scattered, we will experience a state of mental fragmentation, finding it difficult to concentrate or maintain focus.
The Fragmentation of the Spirit
If your practice is currently marked by such fragmentation, it is a clear sign that there are areas in your spiritual life that require attention. You must take steps to improve this condition. Specifically, you should work to gather and unify your three hun souls and seven po souls. When these aspects of your spirit are harmonised and unified, the state of mental scattering will gradually improve, and you will find a new sense of clarity.
When we are constantly running about in the world, our body, mind, and spirit are rarely at rest. We are often unaware that our past actions—those things we did for our own sake or for private gain—were largely tainted by impure karma. These actions inevitably give rise to various afflictions. Because we were operating within the arrangements of our own karma, it was difficult to be the true master of our own lives.
The Transformation of Intent
Now, however, we have the opportunity to face everything with purity and Goodness. We must learn to let go of the self and instead use our bodies as instruments for the benefit of all beings. This is the essence of the path: let go of the selfish body and use it for the sake of others. When you act, do so with the understanding that the action is no longer for 'me' or for 'mine.' This is the state of that follows the act of letting go. When you reach this stage, you become the true master of your life. Your goal becomes clear and unwavering: everything you do is for the sake of others, with no trace of the self remaining.
The Path of No-Self
When you reach this level of understanding, your entire approach to practice will be transformed. Consider how this changes your daily life: when you chant , you no longer do so for your own comfort, but to align your heart with the infinite of Namo Amituofo. When you perform prostrations, you do not seek personal merit, but humble the ego and express gratitude for the Dharma. When you recite the Sutras, you do so to deepen your wisdom and to better understand how to save others. Every act of service becomes a way to share the light of the Dharma with those who are still lost in the cycle of rebirth.
When your practice is rooted in this selfless intention, you will find that your vows and your actions are entirely different from what they were in the past. You will move forward with a single-minded focus, dedicated entirely to the welfare of all beings. By letting go of the heart that runs about for the sake of the self, you will gain the steady, grounded practice that truly benefits others. This will elevate your spirit and bring about a new, vibrant atmosphere in your life. Namo Amituofo.
Recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe
