Facing the Future: Teachings from Asvaghosa Bodhisattva

The Eternal Dance of the Timeless

The magnificence of the Buddha's teachings lies in living in the present, rediscovering one's true nature, and saving oneself while delivering all beings to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. In truth, there is no past, present, or future. The past is like a dream, the present has already passed, and the future is unfixed. Why dwell on existence or non-existence? Both are one and the same, arising from Causal Conditions, appearing and disappearing like a dream, without a fixed time. Only when one attains Awakening do the past, present, and future merge into one.

Within the one, there are many; within the many, they merge into one. Thus, it can change, manifesting into the myriad phenomena of the universe. It changes in many ways to respond to the needs of sentient beings. No matter how it changes, it never departs from the one, nor does it depart from the many; the nature and the characteristics are identical. Few is also one, and many is also one. Few is not truly few, and many is not truly many. Few and many are one and the same; you should view them in this way. All phenomena do not depart from the heart. If you can attain this state and move freely within it, this is the manifestation of your true self and the state of an awakened being.

Awakening in the Breath of Now

The present moment is what matters most. As for the future, walk step by step, and be present in every step. Every moment is a time to attain the Way and realise one's true nature. Students of Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, Practitioner Su is currently seeking a suitable location to conduct lectures and hold Dharma assemblies. The ability of Practitioner Su to perform Chao Du and lead beings into the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss is known throughout the vastness of the Dharma Realm. Sentient beings seek this opportunity, yet it is difficult to encounter. They are filled with joy and all wish to come to hear the Dharma, to participate in the Dharma assembly, and to enter the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. How could any spirit miss this chance?

Wherever Practitioner Su goes, Namo Amituofo is also present. One can hear the Dharma sounds of Namo Amituofo, see the Dharma form of Namo Amituofo, and follow the Buddha-light to enter the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. With such magnificent Dharma affinity, how could any spirit miss this chance? Suffering beings, whose suffering is endless and without a foreseeable end, now have the opportunity to leave suffering behind and enter the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. How could any spirit miss this chance?

The Infinite Radiance of the Buddha

The Universal Buddha, Namo Amituofo, is praised by all Buddhas. His light shines without end, and he possesses Infinite Light and Infinite Life. Those who see and hear him receive supreme benefits of the Dharma. Their impurities are extinguished, their Goodness is born, and by chanting the Buddha-name, they are reborn in the West. How could any spirit miss this chance? The infinite Dharma Realm is all contained within one heart. The vow and heart of Practitioner Su are one with the vow and heart of Namo Amituofo. All Buddhas walk the same path, and now, with the Buddhas present at this very time—an encounter difficult to encounter in millions of years—to enter the West with the Buddhas, how could any spirit miss this chance?

The source of all phenomena originates from the heart. The heart-Dharma is infinite, existing to respond to the infinite hearts of sentient beings. If one attains Awakening, although the hearts of beings are impermanent and ever-changing, they are clear at a glance. They are like children in the palm of the Buddha; no matter how they roll or move, they never leave the palm. Now, these children can leave the palm and travel toward the West. When the time comes to realise one's true nature and attain Buddhahood, how could any spirit miss this chance?

The Boundless Compassion of the Pure Land

Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, though located in Australia, is led by Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su to save beings without boundaries. Their work is not limited to Hong Kong, Taiwan, or Yilan; they will also spread the Dharma to other regions. Practitioner Su and the fourfold assembly walk step by step, leaving their mark. Through lectures, the teaching of emptiness and Awakening, and the all-encompassing power of the Buddha-name, all beings in the six realms and the four holy states, in this world and others, receive the benefits of the Dharma. Following the Buddha to the West, how could any spirit miss this chance?

With pure purification and an equal mind, they do not distinguish between high and low, for all have karmic affinity. Through the Forty-eight Great Vows, sentient and insentient beings alike attain perfect wisdom. Regardless of quantity or weight, all are included in the Vows. We and the beings are one body; what is mine is not another's. We are connected by the same body, and our Buddha-nature is in sync. Within the Great Vows, the Buddha-name binds us together. With a sincere vow, chanting the Buddha-name, one receives the Buddha's guidance and can enter the West. How could any spirit miss this chance?

The Healing Grace of the Buddha-Name

Practitioner Su manifests Awakening in a human body, possessing the pure Dharma Body and countless manifestations. His Dharma Body Chao Du is inconceivable! Now that we see this, it is the manifestation of great compassion and Wisdom power. His meditative concentration is fearless against demon crowds; he subdues demonic enemies, transforms them into Dharma protectors, and leads them into the Buddha's path. This is truly rare and good news. The Buddha-heart is joyful, the sound of the Buddha-name rises, and he leads beings into the West. How could any spirit miss this chance?

Countless beings have been caught in the cycle of revenge, eating one another. Habits of consuming flesh and the desires of the mouth and belly cause spirits to wail. Due to the laws of karma and cause and effect, chickens, ducks, pigs, geese, fish, shrimp, seafood, insects, birds, and flying creatures all lose their lives. You eat me, I swallow you, without end. When will there be peace? Stop seeking lives; it is better to return home. The Buddha-light of Namo Amituofo compassionately protects his children. Cast off your outer garments, restore your original state, leave behind the animal form, and escape the cycle of rebirth. Together, chant the holy name of Namo Amituofo and enter the West, where there are no Three Evil Realms. With this great opportunity, how could any spirit miss this chance?

The Final Return to the Western Home

Throughout history, heroes on the battlefield, generals, soldiers, horses, and the creatures of the land, along with civilians, have all suffered. The Emperor has ordered a ceasefire; do not continue to fight and scream. Rolling dust and sand have passed for thousands of years. My Buddha is compassionate and urges you not to follow your masters for lifetime after lifetime. Lay down your swords, arrows, and armour. Wounded soldiers and the fallen should restore their original bodies, recover their homes, and compensate the spirits. Amidst the sound of the Buddha-name, we send you to the West. Seize this moment, for such Dharma affinity is difficult to encounter. How could any spirit miss this chance?

Officials have harmed one another due to grievances, civilians have suffered, and families and relatives have been punished together. Entangled by emotion, palace grievances, consorts, palace maids, eunuchs, women, and infant spirits—each case is filled with blood, tears, and suffering. They are entangled in the desire for revenge. Fortunately, my Buddha has come with compassion to restore your purity so that families may reunite. Official positions and titles are returned to you, and emperors and husbands return. You are as beautiful as you were in the beginning, and the unborn child in the womb is safe. I urge you to let go and follow Namo Amituofo to enter the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss and enjoy ultimate bliss. The Dharma assembly is approaching; how could any spirit miss this chance?

There are countless spaces, but the holy name of Namo Amituofo opens these spaces so that spirits can be liberated. Do not remain trapped in these spaces. If not for the manifestation of Practitioner Su's Great Vow and the assistance of the Buddha-name of Namo Amituofo, spirits would have no way to escape. The Dharma assembly is about to begin, and you can be delivered to the West. How could any spirit miss this chance?

There are still infinite karmic creditors and spiritual attachments. I urge you to leave the cycle of rebirth and stop being attached. You yourselves also have karmic creditors; why continue this cycle of revenge without end? The great compassion of Namo Amituofo saves all spirits. Rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss means leaving suffering behind forever. How could any spirit miss this chance?

This moment is boundless, and the future is infinite. The vast mind-capacity of Practitioner Su acts in accordance with the Buddha's capacity. The spirits have arrived, their hearts are turned toward the West, and they are waiting for the auspicious time to face the future and enter the Western Land. I am grateful for the compassion of my Buddha.

Namo Amituofo

This interview message was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.