Zhongfeng Thrice Yearning Ceremony, Inviting Spirits, Amitabha Buddha's discourse, Noon Offering
Recorded by 釋海願法師
Date recorded 22 May 2026
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Words of , recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable Fa Hui
22 May 2026
Amitabha Buddha's discourse:
Dedication of merit is an important matter for practitioners and those who wish to be reborn in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.
As stated in the Infinite Life Sutra (The Buddha Speaks the , Infinite Life, Adornment, Purity, Impartiality, and Sutra):
"If there are beings who wish to see Amitabha Buddha in this lifetime, they should arouse the supreme Bodhi heart, focus their thoughts on the Land of Ultimate Bliss, accumulate good roots, and practise the dedication of merit."
In practice, those who wish to be reborn in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss should arouse the Bodhi heart to become a Buddha and save sentient beings.
"Focusing thoughts on the Land of Ultimate Bliss" refers to following the teachings of the Infinite Life Sutra (The Buddha Speaks the Mahayana, Infinite Life, Adornment, Purity, Impartiality, and Enlightenment Sutra).
Because this sutra encompasses the reality of the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, it also refers to focusing on the name "Namo Amituofo."
Since the merits of Amitabha Buddha and the purity and dignity of the entire Western Land of Ultimate Bliss are all gathered within the six-character name "Namo Amituofo," chanting the holy name of Amitabha is the magnificent merit of focusing on the Land of Ultimate Bliss.
"Accumulating good roots" refers to performing good deeds, doing good, and engaging in pure acts.
For instance, being free from greed, anger, and delusion is the root of goodness.
Every bit of one's actions and conduct can be dedicated.
The primary dedication is to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, to adorn the Buddha's Pure Land.
By dedicating limited and merits to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, one accumulates the provisions for rebirth in the West.
For a Pure Land practitioner, this is an important matter, because "one cannot be reborn in that land with only a few good roots, blessings, and causal conditions."
It is also through this that one can receive the merit and support of Amitabha Buddha.
Practitioners offer their own blessings and merits to the objects of their dedication.
There is no limit to these objects, which vary according to one's vow.
The objects can be sentient beings in the realm of emptiness, formless spirits, or beings in the six realms of existence, such as the human world.
Universal dedication means that all sentient and insentient beings in the Dharma realm can receive the merits of the dedication.
This is a manifestation of the view of oneness.
It is also dedicated to ancestors through the ages, parents and teachers from countless kalpas, family members, and .
When should one perform the dedication of merit?
After daily practice of chanting the Buddha's name, performing prostrations, reciting the Sutras, or copying sutras, whether in individual or group cultivation.
During a Dharma Assembly or spiritual deliverance, so that participants and those who hear or see it may receive the benefits of the Dharma.
Before the conclusion of a Dharma assembly.
When doing good deeds, performing acts of kindness, or serving the public.
After listening to sutras and hearing the Dharma, so that oneself and others may benefit.
When doing things that benefit the public's practice and nurture good roots, , and wisdom, these are the times when one should practise the dedication of merit.
Namo Amituofo