Recorded and transcribed by ’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.
The Sacred Presence at Hsiang Kuang
To the fourfold assembly of disciples, listen closely. At this very moment, Namo Amituofo is truly residing here at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre in Goombungee, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia. This is a profound and rare blessing for all who have gathered here. Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju and Practitioner Su are also present, working tirelessly to guide, teach, and watch over every member of the fourfold assembly. Furthermore, there are countless Dragon and Heaven Protectors surrounding this sacred site, diligently guarding the temple and every one of you who practises here.
Given these magnificent conditions, I must ask you: do you have true faith in your own practice? Do you possess the unwavering confidence that your practice will lead to genuine progress? More importantly, do you have the faith that you can reach in this very lifetime? Because Namo Amituofo abides here, everything about the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre has become extraordinary and rare. This is what makes this place so fundamentally different from anywhere else in the world.
The Benefits of the Dharma
In the spiritual realms, countless beings and even the demon crowds have been granted the precious opportunity to be saved through the power of . Many have already been liberated from their suffering. However, for those of you in the human world, the fourfold assembly are the direct recipients of the benefits of the Dharma. The things you see and hear here, the beings that are invited to be saved, the profound Dharma words you listen to, and the deep purification you receive—these are experiences that simply cannot be found or attained anywhere else.
The Path to True Awakening
You must cultivate firm faith. Believe with all your heart that the Buddha has the power to help you, and believe that you truly have the opportunity to reach Awakening. Yet, you must understand that this achievement will not come to you by chance or without effort. It is not something that appears out of thin air. You must follow the teachings of the Buddha, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, and Practitioner Su with sincerity and consistency. These teachings are the key to resolving the difficulties and the confusion you currently face in your life.
The Necessity of Obedience and Diligence
I ask you to listen and be obedient. You must let go of the persistent thoughts of how you want to do things. You must discard the habit of following your own personal schedule and preferences. Only by letting go of your ego can you truly be helped; otherwise, your problems will remain, and your suffering will continue. You must be fiercely diligent in your practice. To achieve purification, you cannot neglect the essential daily lessons:
Chanting Namo Amituofo: This is the foundation of your practice and the most direct path to the Western Pure Land.
Prostrations: This act of bowing helps to humble the ego and purify and mind.
Reciting the Sutras: This allows the wisdom of the Buddha to permeate your .
These are the indispensable methods for your purification. If you seek other paths or try to find shortcuts, your impurities will be difficult to remove, and you will struggle to attain the necessary meditative concentration. If you can follow these instructions with a sincere heart, you will certainly reap the rewards, and you will find your faith restored and strengthened. Namo Amituofo.
