A Star on the Horizon: Words of Namo Amituofo

A Glimmer in the Boundless Expanse

In the boundless expanse of the starry sky, countless stars shimmer and glow. If you look toward the horizon, you may notice a single star among them. To the casual observer, this star does not appear particularly brilliant or magnificent. It is not entirely devoid of life, yet it emits only a faint, barely visible light. When you gaze up at this star from the Earth, it seems so fragile and distant, appearing like a tiny sliver of silver suspended in the velvet darkness of the night sky.

However, the reality is far more profound than what your eyes perceive. Within that distant star, there exist countless living beings who rely entirely upon the subtle energy of that world to sustain their existence. There are so many such stars in the universe—so many that they are truly beyond counting. When you look up from the space of the Earth, they appear like a vast, intricate net of stars covering the heavens. From your perspective, this particular star is almost impossible to distinguish, yet for the beings dwelling within it, that world is their home, their sanctuary, and the very foundation of their existence.

The Eternal Dance of Life and Death

Regardless of the time or the space in which one resides, survival is a matter of supreme importance to all beings. Once the energy of a life is exhausted and the physical form reaches its end, this is a natural process that all must eventually accept. When a star finally falls or fades, it is accompanied by the conclusion of this current life cycle for countless creatures. Yet, you must understand that the spirit of these beings is fundamentally unborn and undying. When one life ends, it is merely a transition; at some future time and in some other space, a new cycle of life will inevitably begin.

Life is a continuous, unfolding journey of reincarnation. The beings residing within that star on the horizon may perhaps be unaware of the existence of their own true self. Even if they were to become aware of it, it would be difficult for them to elevate their spirits to a state of pure goodness and absolute purity, which is necessary to realise one's true nature and attain Buddhahood.

Awakening the True Self Within

The students of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre are fortunate to receive the education and guidance provided here at this Buddha-land. Every lesson, every practice, and every moment of reflection is designed for a singular purpose: to help you purify your body, mind, and spirit step by step, and to move steadily toward the realisation of your true nature.

You must listen to the teachings and be diligent in your practice. Do not let this magnificent Dharma affinity pass you by; seize this rare opportunity to cultivate your practice. Focus your efforts on the path of Awakening, so that you may save yourself and others, reaching the Western Pure Land and finding one's own Buddha nature. Namo Amituofo.