Instead of feeling guilty for past wrongdoings,

we need to let go of the guilt 

and chant “Amituofo.”

We’re supposed to understand causality—to know why bad things happen—and also not to blame others for our problems. With this understanding, we will be better able to create favorable conditions for our future. 

And so, in our practice, we don’t just forgive others, we also need to forgive ourselves. We were just as ignorant as others then. And still are. So we need to recognize that we have done bad things and that we don’t want to repeat them.

There is also no need to beat ourselves up over having done them. Each of us needs to let go. Not just of the things we like, not just the good stuff. We also need to let go of our guilt and self-anger for what we did in the past. The past is done and over with while the future is yet to be created. The present is where we do the creating, where we focus our energy. Be firm with yourself, not angry. 

And firmly—and mindfully— replace each negative thought with “Amituofo,” not just for ourselves, but for all beings.