Many practitioners spend their entire lives in a state of spiritual stagnation. Despite their efforts, they reach the end of their days only to find that their practice has not borne fruit. Consequently, they are pulled back into the relentless cycle of reincarnated existence, wandering through the six realms without a clear destination. When they emerge into a new life, they have no awareness of where they might land. They could find themselves in the heavens, deep within the earth, or drifting as mere molecules in the air. They might become wandering spirits, lonely ghosts, or creatures inhabiting the mountains and rivers. They could even fall into the hells, the realm of hungry ghosts, or the animal realm. These are all potential destinations for those who have not yet secured their path to liberation.
The Choice of the Heart
The state of your future existence is not determined by external circumstances, but by the orientation of your own heart. As the teachings remind us, everything is mind-only. You must examine your heart closely. Is it still tethered to the worldly, selfish desires of the ego, which only fuels the cycle of reincarnated existence? Or, has it been transformed into the heart of a true practitioner—a heart of Buddha-recitation, a heart of liberation, and a heart that belongs to the of Ultimate Bliss? This is a heart that has transcended and is free from selfishness.
Some practitioners achieve success in a single lifetime. They reach the state of those who have realised their true nature, moving freely between this world and the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. They may even possess the ability to know the time of their passing in advance, allowing them to depart for the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss without any obstacles. These are the genuine achievements of Pure Land practice.
The Path to Immediate Achievement
If you wish to attain such a state, you must summon your courage and engage in fiercely diligent practice without fatigue. The most important aspect of this journey is to focus entirely on the Pure Land method. You must delve deeply into this single path and chant one Buddha's name to the end. By doing so, you will fulfil your wish to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, or perhaps even attain the and reach the state of those who have realised their true nature within this very lifetime.
This is the process of achieving breakthrough after breakthrough in your practice. When you face interference from demons, you must recognise the deficiencies and shortcomings in your own practice and resolve to change your ways. By following the guidance of a true spiritual friend, you can avoid the obstacles that hinder your progress. You will refrain from creating the causes that lead to the hells, and thus, you will not have to endure the bitter fruits of such suffering.
The Sanctuary of Hsiang Kuang
No matter how busy you are with the work of saving beings, your heart must remain unmoved. You should live a life of clarity and peace. This is the conduct of one who possesses , wisdom, a vast mind-capacity, and the ability to be inclusive—it is the conduct of those who have realised their true nature. This is the true achievement of practice.
As you walk this long and arduous path, life after life, eon after eon, you may ask: when will I finally attain Buddhahood and be free from the sufferings of birth, aging, sickness, and death? When will I finally wake up and no longer be deceived by the illusions and false appearances of this world? At the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Goombungee, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia, you have the guidance of , your Teacher, and Practitioner Su. Achieving Buddhahood in this lifetime is entirely possible. The only question remains: are you willing to listen, do you have faith in the Buddha, and do you have the vows to follow the Buddha’s path?
Namo Amituofo
Recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe
