Continuing the Buddha's Dharma Body and Wisdom Life

The Sacred Responsibility of Succession

Continuing the Buddha's Dharma Body and Wisdom Life is a matter of the utmost importance. It is the sacred duty of every practitioner to ensure that the Buddha's teachings and the wisdom of the Dharma are passed down through the generations, flowing continuously without interruption. Those who have achieved success in their practice must dedicate themselves fully to cultivating the next generation of practitioners. When one identifies an individual with the potential to become a great pillar of the Buddha's gate, one must spare no effort in protecting and guiding them.

What is most essential for such a practitioner? They must possess a heart of compassion and a profound vow to save all beings. They must be willing to listen and follow the guidance of the Buddha. Through diligent practice and genuine realisation, they must understand the importance of True Cultivation—using this temporary physical body to find the eternal truth. They must learn to protect and utilise this body wisely, rather than allowing themselves to be controlled by the heavy weight of their own karma.

The Art of True Cultivation

Many practitioners find their true self-nature obscured because they are controlled by their karmic creditors and attached spirits. When the true self cannot take charge, the practitioner loses their way. However, if one clearly understands the difference between the illusory and the real, one will not be deceived by the fleeting nature of the world. One must realise that the true self-nature is eternal and unchanging, while this physical body is merely a temporary, impermanent vessel. By grasping this distinction, one can begin the journey to rediscover the true self.

Furthermore, one must understand the fundamental difference between the cycle of rebirth and the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. By recognising the nature of suffering and the nature of true happiness, a practitioner will naturally strive with diligence to realise their true nature. They will willingly shoulder the responsibility of carrying forward the Buddha's Dharma Body and Wisdom Life.

The Foundation of Buddha-Recitation Samadhi

For those on the Pure Land path, it is absolutely essential to achieve success in Buddha-Recitation Samadhi. One must have absolute certainty regarding their rebirth in the Western Pure Land. Only when one has attained this level of meditative concentration can one truly possess the ability to save oneself and, subsequently, to save others. If a practitioner has not yet attained this state of deep peace and wisdom, they lack the certainty of rebirth. If one cannot even ensure their own liberation, how can they possibly speak of saving others? This is the unfortunate reality for many who currently call themselves practitioners.

Navigating the Path with Clarity

Many individuals have yet to sever the roots of their afflictions. They remain entangled in:

• Greed, Anger, Ignorance, Arrogance, and Doubt: These five poisons continue to cloud their judgement.
• Wealth, lust, fame, food, and sleep: These five desires keep them tethered to the material world.

Some even fall under the influence of demonic interference or control, yet they continue to lecture on the Dharma. The teachings they provide are like castles in the air—illusory and devoid of truth. How can such teachings lead themselves or their students to the true benefits of realising their true nature, attaining Buddhahood, or securing rebirth in the Western Pure Land? Instead, such paths often lead the practitioner astray, falling into deviant paths or the Demon Realm.

The Sanctuary of Namo Amituofo

At the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Goombungee, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia, we are blessed beyond measure. This is a place where Namo Amituofo truly abides. Here, the Buddha and the fourfold assembly of disciples are together; the Buddha is so close, so intimate, and so compassionate. The grace of the Buddha is vast and boundless. Because of this, the countless suffering beings residing within the bodies of the fourfold assembly are also able to receive the Buddha's grace and be saved through Chao Du.

Therefore, you must be diligent in your practice. By combining your own efforts with the power of the Buddha—through self-rescue and the Buddha's rescue—you will achieve success in your practice. This is how you repay the Buddha's kindness. Let us continue the Buddha's Dharma Body and Wisdom Life, and let us work together to save all boundless suffering sentient beings.

Namo Amituofo