Dialogue with the Buddha: Namo Amituofo Abides in the World

The Challenge of Saving Sentient Beings

A disciple once asked: Namo Amituofo, I often hear it said that it is difficult to save human beings, and that it is perhaps more effective to save sentient beings. However, the work of spreading the Dharma must take place within the human realm. I humbly request that the Buddha provide compassionate guidance on this matter.

Namo Amituofo replied: Human beings possess physical bodies, and through these bodies, various karmic obstacles manifest. Because of this, their path is often filled with difficulties. Furthermore, human beings are deeply entangled in delusion, discrimination, and attachment. These three factors make them exceptionally difficult to transform and save. This has been the case since ancient times, and it is not merely a phenomenon of the present day.

The Perils of the Dharma-Ending Age

We are currently living in the Dharma-Ending Age, a time when the true path is difficult to uphold and even harder to initiate without the guidance of a true spiritual friend. If one relies solely on one's own limited thoughts and subjective perceptions, believing that one's own actions are always correct, the consequences will be grave. By the time one reaches the end of life, the karmic results will have already manifested, leading one into the six realms of rebirth to endure immense suffering.

However, if one possesses great merit and encounters a true spiritual friend who can provide proper guidance, the tide of karma can be turned. One may then be spared from the bitter fruits of past actions. Sentient beings, too, know the nature of suffering. Their suffering is not something they can control, nor can anyone else bear it for them; it must be endured by the individual alone. They exist in different dimensions, each with their own unique circumstances, trapped in the cycle of rebirth and lacking the power to change their own destiny.

The Rare Opportunity for Liberation

After passing through many lifetimes, a spirit may suddenly encounter a renowned teacher who can point the way out of their confusion. This is the moment of liberation, a rare opportunity to escape the suffering of the body and the mind. At such a time, the spiritual faculties naturally begin to awaken. The Buddha-land, the Buddha-name, the Buddha-heart, and the Buddha-vow are present everywhere; they can be seen and felt in every corner of the universe.

During our morning walking meditation, we see this truth daily. Every moment offers a chance for benefit, and all sentient beings in the Dharma Realm can potentially know of the Great Vow of Namo Amituofo. This vow is manifest in the world right now. It is my sincere hope that all beings will quickly come forward to be saved, and that we may broadly save all sentient beings. During one's life, one can rely on the protection of Namo Amituofo, and at the end of life, one can rely on the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss as a final destination. To avoid the suffering of the cycle of rebirth—this is what it truly means to be a disciple of the Buddha.

The Sanctuary of Hsiang Kuang

The Great Vows of all Buddha or Bodhisattva are manifesting at this very time at Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. Each person has their own Causal Conditions that bring them to this human world. If you know of this place, then there is hope for your rebirth in the Western Pure Land. This is a rare opportunity, one that occurs perhaps once in a hundred thousand kalpas. You must cherish it and grasp it firmly. How long will this opportunity last? It is difficult to say. It may be like the Udumbara flower, which blooms rarely and fades quickly. Those who can see it are few, yet Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is exactly that place.

Those who have not yet encountered this path are covered by their own karmic obstacles. It is unknown when they will have the chance to meet it again. To broadly cultivate good affinities is not merely a matter of empty words; it requires physical action and sincere practice. When will the fruits of this practice manifest? It is not fixed. When you act without a mind of attachment, when your thoughts are naturally still and your true self is revealed, that is the benefit of the Dharma. This is how you broadly benefit all sentient beings, naturally spread the Dharma, and save both yourself and others.

The Path of Two-Fold Power

Those in the Western Pure Land who wish to descend to this world to help others must first reflect upon themselves and act with great caution. However, if your vow is strong and you wish to resolve the suffering of all beings, the Buddha will assist you in fulfilling that vow early. For those monks and nuns who wish to return to the Western Pure Land, the Buddha desires to assist them, yet they often push this help away. Therefore, one must strengthen oneself. I have long known that the beings of this Dharma-Ending Age are stubborn and difficult to save.

To transmit the Dharma to future generations, one must rely on the Pure Land gate. One must combine self-power—the effort of one's own practice—with Buddha-power, the compassionate assistance of Namo Amituofo. These two powers must work in tandem. Rebirth in the Western Pure Land is the path of liberation; it is the only way to save one's wisdom-life and eventually attain Buddhahood. Many practice centres remain attached to their own views, believing they are correct, and thus misunderstand the Tathagata. They do not truly understand the Buddha's intent and only promote their own specific school, treating the Pure Land path as a mere secondary practice to be used only for supportive chanting at the time of death. By then, it is already too late. If one remains trapped in the six realms of rebirth, how can there be liberation? One will simply return for another lifetime of suffering.

A Call to Cherish the Dharma

When will the Buddha-vehicle truly be upheld? The founding masters of our lineage clearly understood the Buddha's intent. Our school, the Pure Land school, must be practised simultaneously with other teachings. The Buddha's own power and our self-power must mutually assist and support one another. You must be diligent and sincere; then, rebirth in the Western Pure Land is assured. I only hope that all of you will not take this lightly.

The words of the Buddha are difficult to encounter. If you have the chance to see them, you are a person of great karmic affinity. If you can believe and understand them, then together with Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre—where Namo Amituofo truly abides—you can walk the path of Awakening. You can leave behind the suffering caused by your karmic creditors and successfully attain rebirth in the Western Pure Land. You should cherish this connection, which has been forged over ten thousand kalpas. Since you have encountered it now, go forward quickly and do not be lazy in your practice. Namo Amituofo.

Recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.