We are currently living in the age of the ’s decline. In this era, the spiritual obstacles faced by all beings are profound and heavy. We find that our ego-attachment is deeply rooted, our subjective views are difficult to relinquish, and our individual personalities are stubborn and resistant to change. Because of this, our past manifests frequently, leading us to suffer endlessly within the cycle of rebirth.
However, there is a beacon of hope. The Dharma Gate is the only path that can lead to true accomplishment during this challenging time. This is because when you hold fast to the sacred name of , you are not merely reciting words. Within the six characters of this great name, you receive the support of the Forty-eight Great Vows of Namo Amituofo. You are embraced by his infinite , his boundless merits, and his supreme spiritual power.
The Practice of Uninterrupted Devotion
To practise effectively, you must let go of the past and cease worrying about the future. Instead, focus entirely on the present moment. You must chant Namo Amituofo all the way. This means you should chant continuously, in a straight line, without pause and without interruption. In the resonance of each Buddha-name, you begin the essential work of purification.
As you chant, you must work to remove the following obstacles:
Ego-attachment: This is a rigid, deep-seated clinging to the idea of a permanent self. This attachment is born directly from the momentum of your past karma.
Subjective Views: These are the intense personal opinions and biases that form the core of your personality.
The Concept of Possession: The belief that things belong to 'me'.
Every being possesses their own unique set of the eight consciousnesses and fifty-one mental factors. Each of us carries our own distinct karmic path, and no two beings are exactly the same. We are all subject to both collective karma and individual karma. When you look closely, you must ask yourself: what is truly yours? Is your head 'you'? Is your body 'you'? Are your hands and feet 'you'? Before you reach , you will find many 'selves' within your , but none of them are the true self.
Using the False to Cultivate the True
The 'self' that you experience while wandering in the cycle of rebirth is merely a false self. It is a product of karmic forces. Your true self—your original nature—is the only reality. The very purpose of this false self is to serve as a vessel for True Cultivation. By using this false existence to seek and rediscover your true nature, you give your life its ultimate meaning.
When you chant Namo Amituofo all the way, you allow the Buddha’s to permeate your being. This practice is a supreme and subtle method that enables you to:
Eliminate the : Greed, Anger, Ignorance, Arrogance, and Doubt.
Transcend the : Wealth, lust, fame, food, and sleep.
Sever the roots of all evil actions.
Nurture and grow your good roots.
The Shortcut to Awakening
Chanting Namo Amituofo all the way requires you to move forward without interruption. As you remain immersed in the Buddha-name, you will find that you are constantly supported by the Buddha’s power. This strengthens your faith, allowing you to face and break through various obstacles that previously seemed insurmountable. Through this, you will eventually reach Awakening.
Awakening is the process of finding the true self. For the students of Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, this is the most efficient and convenient method for purification and for realising one's true nature. Do not let this opportunity pass. Keep the Buddha-name in your heart, and let it guide you home to the Western Pure Land.
Namo Amituofo
Recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable Fa Hui
