Recorded and transcribed by ’s disciple, Venerable Fa Hui.
Modern people place great emphasis on efficiency. In every aspect of life, there is a deep-seated hope that one can see tangible results within a very short period. This desire for quick outcomes is evident in how we approach our studies, our professional work, and our daily tasks. However, one must ask: does this same logic apply to the profound journey of spiritual practice?
The Challenges of the Age of the ’s Decline
The Sutras teach us that in the age of the True Dharma, people achieved success through the strict observance of the . In the age of the Image Dharma, success was found through meditative concentration. Yet, in this current age of the Dharma’s decline, success is only possible through the path. Shakyamuni Buddha, with his infinite wisdom, foresaw the nature of beings in this era. He understood that our roots would be dull and that our spiritual capacity would be limited. This is precisely the environment we find ourselves in today.
When we look at the state of beings in our current world, we see the clear manifestations of : a strong, stubborn personality that refuses to bend; a lack of endurance and patience when facing adversity; greed that is never satisfied, regardless of what one possesses; a tendency to easily ignite the fires of anger and resentment; ignorance that leads one to ignore wise counsel; deep-seated arrogance and a rigid, subjective worldview; and a profound lack of trust in others, coupled with heavy suspicion. These traits are not merely personality quirks; they are the direct results of our accumulated karma.
The Path of Two-Fold Power
If you attempt to enter the path of practice relying solely on your own strength, you will find it impossible to overcome these deep-rooted obstacles. You must place your faith in the Buddha. It is only through the blessing of the Buddha’s power that you can truly achieve success. This is why the Two-Power path of the Pure Land school—combining your own diligent practice with the infinite power of Namo Amituofo—is the most suitable method for beings in this age of the Dharma’s decline. It is the only way to effectively assist all beings in their spiritual journey.
The Magnificent Blessing of Namo Amituofo
When you apply yourself with diligent practice, you receive the blessing of Namo Amituofo’s power and the illumination of the Buddha’s light. This combination allows for a double effect in your efforts to change personality traits. By engaging in the following practices, you will find that your progress is significantly accelerated: chanting Namo Amituofo with a focused and sincere heart; performing prostrations to humble the ego and purify ; and reciting the Sutras to absorb the wisdom of the Buddha and clarify the mind. Furthermore, when you perform to resolve the conflict with , you will find that under the compassionate blessing of Namo Amituofo, these tasks become much easier to accomplish. You will witness the results of your efforts manifesting with a double effect.
Walking the Path of Truth
Today, at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Goombungee, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia, the Greatly Compassionate Namo Amituofo is helping the fourfold assembly of disciples in exactly this way. As long as you, as a member of the fourfold assembly, have faith in the Buddha and make your vows with a sincere and earnest heart, you will be guided correctly. You must ensure that your actions do not violate the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. When you act in accordance with these teachings, you will certainly receive the blessing of Namo Amituofo’s power. The fulfillment of your vows will also be granted with a double effect.
The fourfold assembly of disciples should cherish this magnificent Dharma affinity. You must strive with all your might for diligent practice, for the ultimate goal is to realise your true nature and reach . Namo Amituofo.
