Flying Towards the Light

Recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

On the twenty-eighth of July, 2023, during the Third Session of the Thrice Yearning Ceremony, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju provided the following teachings:

The Instinctive Pull Toward Radiance

Imagine a vast, dark landscape. In the centre of this profound darkness stands a single, brilliant white lamp. Almost instantly, the area surrounding the lamp and the lamp itself become filled with small, flying insects. This white light acts as a beacon, attracting a multitude of these creatures to rush headlong toward the brilliance.

This inherent attraction to light is a unique characteristic of insects living in the dark. It is a natural, instinctive response to the sudden appearance of illumination. Just as these small creatures possess an innate longing for the light, so too do human beings. This is especially true for those beings who find themselves wandering in the darkness of ignorance and suffering.

The Twelve Infinite Lights of Namo Amituofo

The Buddha-light of Namo Amituofo shines selflessly throughout the ten directions, reaching every corner of the universe. When a being is touched by this radiance, they are receiving the Twelve Lights of Namo Amituofo. These lights are not merely physical illumination; they are the manifestations of the Buddha’s infinite compassion and wisdom:

• Infinite Light: A light that knows no bounds in time or space.
• Boundless Light: A light that extends to every corner of the universe.
• Unobstructed Light: A light that passes through all barriers of karma.
• Unequalled Light: A light that has no peer in its purity and power.
• Wisdom Light: A light that illuminates the darkness of ignorance.
• Constant Light: A light that shines eternally without pause.
• Pure Light: A light that cleanses the mind of all defilements.
• Joyful Light: A light that brings profound peace and happiness to the heart.
• Liberating Light: A light that frees beings from the cycle of rebirth.
• Peaceful Light: A light that brings stability and calm to the spirit.
• Light Surpassing the Sun and Moon: A light that outshines all worldly sources of illumination.
• Inconceivable Light: A light that transcends the limits of human thought and language.

The Transformative Power of Buddha-light

To receive the illumination of this Buddha-light is to be granted a most magnificent and auspicious blessing. When beings hear of this light and open their hearts to it, they naturally feel a surge of joy. They accept it with gratitude, and their hearts are filled with the warmth of the Buddha’s grace. Even the demon crowds, who thrive in darkness, are subdued by the sheer power of this radiance.

Walking the Path of Compassion and Awakening

When you practise under the guidance of Namo Amituofo, you are constantly bathed in these Twelve Lights. The goal of your practice is to cultivate yourself until you become like the Buddha—radiating light without end and leading all beings to the Western Pure Land. You should look to the example of Practitioner Su, whose life is dedicated to the work of Chao Du and the liberation of beings through the power of the Dharma Body. Through such dedication, one can save an immeasurable number of beings.

As your practice deepens, your body-light and the light from your crown will increase in intensity. This light is the manifestation of compassion, the expression of energy, and the essence of wisdom. Practitioner Su never slackens in the work of saving beings. The spirit of learning from the Buddha, the depth of faith, and the purity of heart and action demonstrated by such a practitioner are qualities that the entire fourfold assembly should strive to emulate. May you all walk this path with sincerity and diligence.

Namo Amituofo