Acting as One Should: The Path of the Practitioner

Amitabha Buddha's discourse:

To act as one should is the fundamental duty of every practitioner. It is a path of discipline, purification, and selfless devotion that leads to the revelation of one's true self and the ultimate salvation of all beings. How many can truly say they have mastered this art of living in accordance with the Dharma?

The Foundation of Discipline

A practitioner has specific duties and boundaries that must be upheld. This requires a high level of Discipline, a firm commitment to the Precepts, and a robust capacity for self-restraint. One must conduct oneself strictly within the boundaries permitted by these precepts. This conduct is not limited to physical actions alone; it encompasses every aspect of your existence, including your thoughts, speech, and expressions, all of which must reflect the dignity of a practitioner and the serenity of the Pure Land.

Every practitioner must understand this clearly: you must guard your own duties and never overstep the boundaries of the Right Path.

Purification and the True Self

Before your mind is cleansed of its impurities, you must be diligent in your purification. Through this process, the inherent abilities that have long been hidden within you will gradually manifest. In truth, these abilities are already present within your true self. However, because they have been buried under layers of karma and emotion, they cannot shine forth. As you peel away these layers through constant purification, your original nature will naturally emerge, and your actions will align with the Universal Principles, Truth, and the Right Path.

The Power of Vows and Chanting

Acting as one should is most effective when it is combined with the power of your vow. A vow is an indispensable condition for your practice. It is only when you have a firm vow that you possess the strength to move forward. By following your vow, you will surely reach the goal of your practice. When you encounter any obstacle or challenge along the way, you must not retreat; persistence is essential.

Transforming karma is a vital stage that every practitioner must experience before becoming an awakened being. To achieve this, you must chant Buddha's name continuously. To chant Namo Amituofo all the way is the fastest method for purification and the surest path to success in your practice. Wise practitioners will hold firmly to this method, for it is infused with the Buddha's blessings. Namo Amituofo has poured all of His vow power, majestic spiritual power, and merit into this very Buddha-name.

Overcoming Obstacles in the Five Turbidities

When your faith, vow, and practice are in perfect harmony with Namo Amituofo, the Buddha-name will exert its influence with incredible speed. Practising in this Five Turbidities and Evil World is indeed fraught with interference from demon crowds and the obstacles presented by karmic creditors. However, Namo Amituofo has already prepared the way for all beings. The power of the Buddha-name is truly capable of breaking through even the most difficult circumstances. You need only have faith and follow the Buddha to save countless suffering beings.

Selfless Practice

Ultimately, your actions must be in accordance with the Universal Principles, Truth, and the Right Path. Do not violate the precepts or the rules of the centre. When you act in this way, your heart will be at peace. Most importantly, you must be able to act in a state of no-self and selflessness. You are acting for the sake of all beings, not for your own benefit. If you do act for yourself, let it be only to achieve your spiritual achievements so that you may save beings all the sooner. This is the Right Path.

Namo Amituofo