Becoming a Disciple of the Buddha

A Sacred Shift in the Ordinary

In the midst of an ordinary life, something extraordinary occurred—a sacred and profound shift. I have embarked upon the path of a monastic. This is a journey I had never once contemplated for myself. For the longest time, I envisioned a conventional life: a stable career, a harmonious marriage, and the joy of raising children. These were the goals I pursued with unwavering dedication, deeply believing that if I worked hard enough, I would surely achieve this dream.

The Limits of Worldly Endeavours

I poured my heart into my work, driven by a sincere desire to help others. I chose a career in social services, believing that through the knowledge, theories, and techniques I had acquired in my studies, I could truly make a difference. I sought to use social resources to assist those in the most vulnerable corners of society—those who faced discrimination and hardship. Yet, despite my best efforts, I found that many of the individuals I helped could not escape their own destinies. They remained trapped in cycles of violence and suffering. This reality caused my confidence in my ability to save others through social work to wane. I found myself asking: how can they truly be saved? As my caseload grew, so did my own high standards and perfectionism. Under the weight of immense pressure and on the verge of depression, I unexpectedly encountered the Buddha’s teachings. This was an inconceivable turning point in my life.

Awakening to the Universal Truth

Learning the Buddha’s teachings allowed me to see the truth of the universe. I realised that the life goals I had once cherished were, in fact, a form of ignorance. They were merely anchors keeping me bound to the six realms of existence. I was particularly shocked to learn that romantic attachment is a fundamental cause of being reincarnated. I came to understand that the only way to truly save others is through the Dharma. Every encounter in life is governed by the laws of karma and cause and effect. Only by resolving the conflicts with my own karmic creditors from countless past lives can I hope to escape the imperfections of this world. Only by truly practising the Buddha’s teachings, transforming my heart, and refining my nature can I hope to attain rebirth in the Western Pure Land and leave the sea of suffering behind.

The Supreme Remedy

In my professional life, I had employed every method available—counselling, consultations, seminars, and group therapy—yet none could fully transform the lives of those I served. The inconceivable power of the Buddha’s teachings helped me understand that the name of Namo Amituofo is the only true remedy! It is only through the practice of the Buddha’s teachings that one can truly take command of their own life. Everything we see with our eyes is a manifestation of spirit. This was something I had never known before. Once, someone told me, "If your washing machine is broken, speak to it, comfort it, and it will soon be fixed." I did not believe it at all; I thought an object was merely an object. How could it possibly understand human speech? However, the Buddha’s teachings proved that it is indeed possible, and I have verified this truth within my own life. Through the purification of my practice, my space has opened, and I am now able to communicate with the spirits of all things.

A Vow to Deliver All Beings

It was only through communicating with these sentient beings that I truly understood their suffering—trapped within this space for thousands of years, unable to depart. If not for the great compassion of Namo Amituofo opening up this space, no one would know of their plight, and no beings would be saved. This realisation was so profound that I decided to commit myself to the monastic life. I wish to use these remaining decades of my physical body to help deliver sentient beings. Human life is hard to obtain, and the Buddha’s teachings are hard to hear. I, your disciple Fa Jing, am deeply grateful for the compassion of Namo Amituofo, which has allowed me to encounter the Great Dharma in this lifetime. Under the compassionate guidance of Namo Amituofo, I will follow the teachings, do my utmost, and strive to propagate the True Teachings. Your student, Fa Jing, bows with palms together.