Does the Earth Chant Namo Amituofo?

Words of Namo Amituofo, recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable Fa Hui.

August 30, 2024, First Session.

The Vast Grounds of Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre

Within the four hundred acres of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, there lies a vast expanse of southern land. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, one can witness a profound sight: Practitioner Su leads the fourfold assembly of disciples across this earth. They stand and chant, or they run while chanting, their voices rising in unison: "Namo Amituofo, does the earth chant Namo Amituofo?" They repeat this question continuously, their hearts focused on the resonance of the Buddha’s name.

Practitioner Su instructs everyone clearly: "You must forget yourselves. Do not think of your own needs or desires. Instead, when you chant, you must think of all sentient beings." He points toward the horizon, reminding them, "Namo Amituofo is right there before us; how magnificent and vast the Buddha appears!"

The Compassionate Call to Save Beings

Indeed, my children, you must cease your preoccupation with the self. You must think of the suffering of all beings, for they are in great distress and urgently await salvation. While Namo Amituofo can bestow blessings upon you and all beings, you must first cultivate the Bodhicitta and take practical action. Only then will sentient beings have the opportunity to be saved.

Namo Amituofo stands in the sky directly before you, smiling and reaching out with hands lowered to lead all who chant the Buddha’s name. The Buddha’s light and the Twelve Lights shine down upon all who are present: the spirits, the indigenous souls, all sentient beings with karmic affinity, those who chant without ceasing, the earthly creatures, and even the smallest insects that crawl or fly.

The Universal Chorus of Chanting

The Buddha calls out to all: "Cast off your heavy garments of karma! Return to your original, pure state!" As beings enter the Buddha-light, those who chant Namo Amituofo without interruption will be led to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, or they will be guided to the realms of humans and heavens. Everything in existence participates in this sacred resonance:

• The Earth and Elements: Does the earth chant Namo Amituofo? Do the stones and the dust chant Namo Amituofo?
• Nature and Flora: Do the small flowers and the blades of grass chant Namo Amituofo? Do the towering trees and the humble utility poles chant Namo Amituofo?
• Creatures of the Air and Land: Do the birds and the flying insects chant Namo Amituofo? Do the kangaroos and the ants chant Namo Amituofo?
• The Atmosphere: Does the air and the wind chant Namo Amituofo? Do the white clouds and the beings dwelling within the clouds chant Namo Amituofo?

Purification Through Devotion

When you chant, the Buddha’s light shines upon you. This light extinguishes your impurities and gives rise to Goodness, washing away the thick layers of dust that have accumulated over lifetimes. As you run and chant, let every thought be of Namo Amituofo. This practice purifies your body and spirit, allowing you to shake off the spiritual attachments that have clung to you for so long.

Pat your chest, pat your heart, and release the beings within our bodies. As you do so, Namo Amituofo will lead them into the golden light. This is the moment of leaving suffering behind and finding true salvation. Namo Amituofo.