Do Not Lightly Speak of Retreating

The Rare Opportunity at Hsiang Kuang

Namo Amituofo is truly present here at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. This is an opportunity that is difficult to encounter even in millions of years. Namo Amituofo has come to this world specifically to save beings, to help them leave suffering behind, and to lead them into the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. The suffering of beings in this world is immeasurable and boundless, yet the Pure Land path offers a way to salvation.

However, because we live in a defiled and evil world of suffering, we often encounter many obstacles when we try to hear and practise the great Dharma of the Pure Land. Even a method as simple, convenient, and wonderful as chanting the name of Namo Amituofo is difficult to maintain consistently. When we chant, our words often lack focus and clarity. Consequently, the power of the Buddha-name—its merit, its ability to foster meditative concentration and wisdom, and its supernatural power—cannot be fully realised.

The Challenges of the Monastic Path

Even for those who have left the home life to become monastics, the path is not without its trials. Monastics are meant to live a life of simplicity, reducing desires and knowing contentment. By purifying their body, mind, and spirit, they should be able to hold the sacred name of Namo Amituofo with great strength and effectiveness. Yet, the reality is often different.

Often, karmic creditors and attached spirits gather and manifest, leading to physical illness and mental distress. This makes it difficult for the practitioner to maintain a firm resolve, resulting in a cycle of progress and regression. If one does not see immediate results or achievements, the heart may grow weary, and the desire to retreat may take root. Children, do not lightly speak of retreating! You must understand that practising in a Buddha-land requires genuine, diligent effort. It is not something that can be done half-heartedly or by simply going through the motions.

The Sacred Environment of the Temple

You must realise that Namo Amituofo is truly here! If you could open your eyes to the truth, you would see that this place is filled with Dragon and Heaven Dharma Protectors, the holy assembly of the West, patriarchs and venerable masters, and the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas of the Lotus Pool Assembly. This environment is truly magnificent and far beyond what is typically visible in the human world.

During a Dharma assembly, you should cultivate a heart of reverence and welcome the holy ones. However, because your eyes are not yet open to these sacred sights, you may not perceive them. During these assemblies, many sentient beings are overjoyed because they have found the affinity to be reborn in the Western Pure Land. Yet, some practitioners may be distracted by the interference of karmic creditors, demon crowds, or other spirits.

The Importance of Respect and Repentance

If you allow yourself to become arrogant or angry, you will inevitably face the discipline of the Dragon and Heaven Dharma Protectors. This often manifests as drowsiness, a lack of strength, or entering other spaces. When you encounter these situations, you must immediately cultivate a heart of repentance and shame. Turn your heart and mind around, and restore your sense of reverence. Do not allow anger or resentment to arise. You must be focused and sincere in every chant and ritual of the Dharma assembly. In particular, you must be respectful to Practitioner Su and hold a heart of gratitude. Otherwise, you will continue to suffer from these states of drowsiness and weakness.

The Path to Self-Rescue

Practitioner Su has appeared in this world as a layperson, enduring various physical sufferings to save beings. Namo Amituofo responds to this by entering this Buddha-land, providing all of you, along with infinite suffering beings and even the demon crowds, a rare opportunity to save yourselves and to save others. If you wish to overcome the problems of drowsiness, weakness, and mental wandering, your first priority must be to cultivate a heart of respect for Namo Amituofo, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, and Practitioner Su. You must also hold deep, unwavering faith in the Dharma assemblies and your daily practice. This is the primary method of self-rescue.

Furthermore, you must sincerely change your ways. You must be earnest, diligent, and reflect deeply upon your mistakes. While personal habits and the ego are difficult to change, if you do not change them, you will not be able to resolve your karmic debts. If you do not resolve these debts, illness will persist, and how will you avoid the six realms of rebirth? As long as Practitioner Su remains in this world, he can help the spirits of the deceased avoid the suffering of the cycle of rebirth and lead them to the Western Pure Land. This is a great blessing for all at Hsiang Kuang and for all beings in the Dharma Realm who have the affinity to be saved.

If you do not achieve success in your practice and your chanting remains ineffective, how will you remove your suffering? How will you escape the cycle of rebirth? Therefore, you must strive to catch up. Focus on your own issues and diligently change your ways. In particular, you must cultivate the skill of chanting Namo Amituofo in your daily life so that it can be used in times of emergency. Do not lightly speak of retreating. Namo Amituofo is here, guarding you. I hope you will cherish this opportunity, make good use of this body, and transform your heart and actions right now. In this very moment, you will receive the benefits of the Dharma. Namo Amituofo.