Advancing Side by Side on the Path to Enlightenment

Teachings from Namo Amituofo, recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

My children, the great mission of saving beings at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre requires the fourfold assembly of disciples to open their hearts completely. You must learn to set aside your personal feelings, subjective opinions, and individual viewpoints. Within this sacred space, there should be no distinctions of high or low, front or back, foolish or wise, or superior or inferior. When the fourfold assembly is of one heart, you can advance side by side to save yourselves and the world, and to guide all beings to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

The Strength of a Unified Heart

The most vital element in this journey is the diligent practice of the fourfold assembly. Through the single-minded chanting of Namo Amituofo, you must break through the obstacles that hinder your progress, such as drowsiness and the limitations of space. Only then, with the support of the Buddha's blessings, the guidance of the Buddha-teacher, and the assistance of Practitioner Su, can you achieve success in your cultivation. You must strive to master the Three Learnings of Precepts, Concentration, and Wisdom. When your skills are fully developed, you will be able to:

• Successfully guide yourself back to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
• Cultivate the capacity to save others after you have saved yourself.
• Maintain a state of purity that reflects your original, true nature.

Wisdom Through Maturity

For those among the fourfold assembly who have reached the age of forty or fifty, you should have gained a deep understanding of the complexities of the world and the diverse nature of the human heart. As you continue your practice, it is even more essential to let go of your personal views. You should adopt an attitude of cooperation, stability, and selflessness. By dedicating your own strength to serve the public, you will be able to advance side by side with the temple and the monastic community.

Adapting to the Changing World

The external environment is constantly shifting, and the hearts of people are ever-changing. You must grow within these continuous transformations. While the lifestyles and concepts of today differ from those of the past, every age group currently faces its own unique set of problems and afflictions. In the midst of these changes, we must adapt our methods of spreading the Dharma and adjust our ways of practice to effectively lead beings to learn the Buddha's teachings. However, you must never lose sight of the core principles:

• Always maintain purity and goodness in your heart.
• Keep the ultimate goal of guiding beings to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss at the forefront of your mind.
• Ensure that all your actions are aligned with the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way.

The Mission of Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre

At the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, under the true presence of Namo Amituofo, we must work even harder. Through single-minded chanting, you must rediscover your original, true nature. Only then will you be able to manifest the profound capabilities inherent in your true self—a power that transcends modern technology—to perform Chao Du, to save and teach beings, and to educate the public so they may gain a correct and deeper understanding of the Buddha's teachings. Through purification, the invitation of spirits for Chao Du, and the act of teaching, we can lead beings toward the light. This is how we infuse the power of saving beings into the Pure Land path.

As the fourfold assembly accumulates merit and virtue, and as you cultivate both blessings and wisdom, you must continue to advance side by side. Open the gates of Hsiang Kuang, and lead all suffering beings toward the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Namo Amituofo