Entering the Western Land of Dharma Nature through Memorial Tablets

The Infinite Presence of Sentient Beings

During a recent Dharma assembly, Sangharama Bodhisattva observed the vast multitude of spirits diligently chanting Namo Amituofo alongside the fourfold assembly of disciples. The space within the Buddha hall is truly boundless, extending far beyond what our physical eyes can perceive. It is filled to capacity with infinite, countless beings from the nine realms of existence. Their presence is a testament to how deeply they yearn for true rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, and thus, they have gathered here in unison to seek Chao Du.

In many conventional temples, those who lead the ceremonies lack the ability to perform the Dharma-Body Visualisation Deliverance. Consequently, it is extremely difficult for them to truly deliver the deceased, and the number of beings who are genuinely saved is very small. Only through the unique Dharma-Body Visualisation Deliverance performed by Practitioner Su can these spirits be truly liberated. The fourfold assembly at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia understands that for these spirits to be delivered, they must listen to the teachings of the Buddha. Only then, when Practitioner Su performs the Dharma-Body Visualisation Deliverance, can they have the absolute certainty of being reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

The Compassionate Gift of the Memorial Tablet

I have witnessed that the number of spirits seeking Chao Du at current Dharma assemblies is truly overwhelming. Because of their sheer volume, it is easy for them to attach themselves to the members of the fourfold assembly. Out of the Buddha’s infinite compassion, a method has been provided to assist these beings: the memorial tablet. This is a sacred tool that the fourfold assembly can use to visualise and guide these beings into the Western Land of Dharma Nature.

By directing their focus, the disciples can help the spirits they are visualising—as well as those specifically targeted for Chao Du—to enter the memorial tablet directly. This provides them with a clear destination. I have observed that once these beings enter the memorial tablet, their path is determined by their individual good roots, their accumulated blessings, and their Causal Conditions. Some are delivered into the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, while others are guided into the Celestial Realm or the human world, depending on their readiness.

Cultivating the Power of Visualisation

During every Dharma assembly, Practitioner Su shares with the fourfold assembly how he performs the Dharma-Body Visualisation Deliverance. He patiently teaches the disciples how to cultivate this visualisation themselves. At these times, the fourfold assembly studies with great sincerity and focus. Even those spirits who were previously obstructing the path or causing interference are eager for the practitioners to hear these instructions clearly, so that they too might be visualised and guided into the Western Land of Dharma Nature.

The fourfold assembly is working very hard to help their own karmic creditors, yet they often encounter difficulties. These obstacles arise primarily because they have not yet learned to master their own hearts and minds. Some disciples may have thoughts such as, "I do not know how to do this; it is better if I just chant Namo Amituofo." Others may try to perform the practice, but their motivation is pure—they wish to save sentient beings and gain the confidence that they can contribute to this noble work through their own efforts.

The Passport to the Western Land

The most important aspect of this practice is the memorial tablet itself. It serves as a vital bridge. When the fourfold assembly visualises and leads these beings into the tablet, the spirits are filled with joy. They understand that this tablet is their qualification to enter the Western Land of Dharma Nature; it is, in essence, their passport. Within the context of these memorial tablets, the beings are categorised by their state of mind:

• Those who are truly chanting Namo Amituofo and seeking rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
• Those who do not yet wish to be reborn, but simply want to listen to the Buddha-name to forget their own suffering.
• Those who are listening to the Dharma talks, becoming so deeply engaged in Practitioner Su’s teachings that they eventually develop the willingness to chant and seek rebirth.

These beings come to understand that rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss is not about escaping oneself, but about cultivating a heart of true compassion and kindness—a heart that genuinely wishes to help all other beings. By acting in this way, one will not fall into the trap of thinking only of oneself and forgetting the importance of saving the world. Everyone has the potential to be a Buddha; to save one Buddha is to save all Buddhas.

The Great Deliverance

During this recent assembly, I saw that the memorial tablets acted with the power of a high-efficiency vacuum. Because of the presence of these tablets, the spirits moved with great speed, and the suction of the Dharma was incredibly strong. In an instant, they were all gathered in. I did not want any external spirits to interfere with Practitioner Su, and as the five memorial tablets began to radiate light, the spirits entered them. Seeing this, I knew that these beings were saved. They understood that they should no longer attach themselves to the bodies of others, but instead, they should focus on chanting Namo Amituofo, seeking rebirth, and taking the vow to save countless suffering beings.

Namo Amituofo.

Recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Shi Hailiang.