The Spirit of the Brave One: Teachings from Namo Amituofo

The Courage of the True Practitioner

Words of Namo Amituofo, recorded by Venerable HaiZe on the 26th of December, 2021.

To you, the practitioner, know that your journey requires the conviction and the active power of a brave one. A brave one is defined by a spirit that knows no fear. This is not merely a lack of hesitation, but a profound state of being that remains unshaken by the trials, difficulties, and setbacks that life inevitably presents. A brave one is fearless in the face of any tribulation, including the inescapable realities of birth, aging, sickness, and death.

When one becomes truly fearless, one enters the state of great fearlessness. You must march forward toward your goal and your vow: to realise one's true nature and attain Buddhahood. By doing so, you create a vast mind-capacity that can encompass the infinite Buddha nature within you and the entire Pure Land.

The Compassionate Path of the Brave

A brave one understands the suffering of all beings. They take that suffering upon themselves, vowing to save all beings through compassion. They work tirelessly to help others leave suffering behind and find happiness, never once pausing in their efforts. A brave one relies on several essential qualities to guide their actions: endless compassion, profound Wisdom, inclusivity, and selflessness—acting without the interference of the 'self,' personal ego, and selfishness.

Only through this selfless state can one truly inspire others to follow the Right Way. By utilising the power of meditative concentration and Wisdom, one can subdue demonic enemies and attain the subtle, profound Dharma.

Overcoming the Self and the Cycle of Karma

A brave one is acutely aware of the suffering inherent in the cycle of being reincarnated. They understand that the Buddha nature within you is something everyone possesses, yet it remains obscured by the weight of karma. They recognise the terrifying nature of the laws of karma and cause and effect. Because of this deep understanding, they make a conscious choice to engage in practice.

They are fiercely diligent, active and persistent, and they never retreat from their path. They work to change the 'self,' personal ego, and selfishness that hinder their progress. With absolute confidence and an unwavering faith in Namo Amituofo, they break through every obstacle and move straight ahead.

Living by the Universal Principle

When the true self is revealed, the heart of the brave one shines forth. They become clear about the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. They possess the clarity to discern what is right and what is wrong: anything that helps to alleviate the suffering of beings is a path to be taken; anything that violates the Precepts must be strictly avoided.

By remaining fearless and overcoming every difficulty, the brave one advances. Conversely, when an action is not in accordance with the Dharma, they exercise restraint and strictly observe the Precepts. Their life, both in their teachings and their conduct, serves as a beacon for all who see and hear them. By learning from such a practitioner, you avoid damaging your own virtue, you prevent the creation of negative causes that lead to evil consequences, and you protect both yourself and others from harm. Namo Amituofo.