Following the Buddha's Footsteps and Making Great Vows

On the morning of May 31, 2017, during a walking meditation, the Buddha's disciple, Shi Faxi, recorded these teachings. Practitioner Su, deeply moved by the sight of countless sentient beings arriving in great numbers, felt the urgency of the time. With the internet now serving as a bridge, she prepared to lead beings from all directions to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Through her immense compassion and the sincerity of her Great Vows, she received the blessing and response of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. She resolved to offer all fifty trillion cells of her body to the Western Pure Land. In doing so, the infinite spirits residing within those cells were able to be reborn in the Western Pure Land. Consequently, her body became pure and transparent, like clear, luminous lapis lazuli, free from all obstructions. This serves as a testament that if one makes a Great Vow with true sincerity to follow the Buddha's footsteps and save all beings, anyone can similarly offer their entire being to the Western Pure Land.

The Purity of the Original Nature

Namo Amituofo offered the following teachings:

The Dharma Body is inherently pure, like clear, luminous lapis lazuli. All sentient beings possess this nature within themselves, yet it remains hidden by our confusion. Because we are lost in the cycle of rebirth, we have not yet realised our true nature. It is this confusion that creates obstacles and causes us to forget the Western Pure Land. The Western Pure Land is our true home, and all members of the fourfold assembly are our family. We are fundamentally one, yet we perceive differences due to the cycle of rebirth. It is only through our discriminatory thoughts and false views that we see separation, create delusions, and define ourselves as distinct individuals.

The Cycle of Karmic Debt

We are often clouded by greed, anger, delusion, and arrogance—our deep-seated habits and emotions. You must quickly purify these tendencies and focus your thoughts on the welfare of all beings. You must dedicate yourself to pure practice and maintain a single, focused intention. If your mind is divided, you are not truly focused. In this world, which is filled with such negativity, these delusions permeate everything. Within the ten directions, it is difficult to escape this cycle.

Our physical bodies are formed through Causal Conditions. They are a combination of the four elements, where countless streams of karma converge. Why not make this gathering a joyful one? Everyone you meet is a member of your spiritual family. The relationships you have today are the result of past actions. In previous lives, you formed bonds with others; some became your karmic creditors, while others became your loved ones. Where do these relationships come from? They are like thousands of rivers flowing into the sea. We all share the same source and the same pulse. Those who are heavy with karma remain stagnant, gathering together to form these complex relationships.

The Path to the Western Pure Land

If you continue to act out these dramas, you will remain trapped in the cycle of rebirth. Those who are light and pure are like a clear stream, flowing endlessly. If you do not stop, you will eventually reach the vast ocean and return to the flow of the Dharma. The Western Pure Land is your destination, but you are currently stuck in the mud along the riverbank. Your karma is heavy and deep, causing you to linger here. How long will you wait before you finally ascend to the Western Pure Land? If you continue to grasp at the soil of this world, how much more time will you lose? Rebirth in the Western Pure Land is not easy, but falling back into the cycle of rebirth is very easy.

You must be like a clear, unobstructed stream, flowing directly toward the Western Pure Land without stopping. Only when the small stream joins the great river can you navigate freely and sail directly to the Western Pure Land. When you ask about making a Great Vow, you must understand that it requires great compassion. If you speak these words with true sincerity, the very void of the universe will tremble. If your vow is not genuine, the trembling will cease, but if it is true, the trembling will continue until you achieve a state of peace, clarity, and transparency, thereby fulfilling your vow.

The Courage to Let Go

Sentient beings are burdened by the results of their karma, manifesting as birth, aging, sickness, death, and various forms of suffering. These include the pain of separation, anxiety, and fear. These various forms of suffering arise according to your karma. Everyone in this world faces the demands of their karmic creditors. How can you resolve this? You must ask yourself: how can I repay these debts? The laws of karma and cause and effect are the absolute Truth. You must understand that you must repay what is owed, but you must do so according to the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. The depth of your karma was created by your own actions in past lives. Karma is never empty; it is recorded in detail. You cannot escape the laws of karma and cause and effect. Bodhisattvas fear the cause, while ordinary beings only fear the result. They fear the pain, yet they forget the harm they once caused. You must follow the righteous path and not be biased.

What has been discussed today is the way to resolve karma. It is indeed possible, but you must not fear your karma. With a heart free from fear, with true sincerity and great courage, you will manifest your Great Vow. If you are filled with fear, you are still clinging to the self, and your vow will not be complete. Practitioner Su is authentic, transparent, and pure. If you, as a disciple of the Buddha, can manifest such a heart, you are truly an awakened being. In the vast void, there is no room for falsehood. In the realm of sincerity, everything is monitored and seen. If you still cling to the self, you will be hindered by your karmic creditors, which will only obstruct your practice. Continue to cultivate your heart, and when the time is right, you will be able to make a truly great vow.

The Mission of Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre

The Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is now established and functioning. To lead beings to the Western Pure Land, you must have great strength in your practice. You must all be like strong, noble individuals; do not cling to your emotions. Do not be foolish, arrogant, or delusional about your physical sensations. You must let go and propagate the light of the Dharma. Each of you must perform your own duties without allowing delusions to arise. Abandon your bad habits, change your nature, and break through your drowsiness. Remember that beauty is not the goal; you must be clear about your purpose. When the five nuns meet to discuss matters, you must have the courage to point out each other's faults. By supporting and achieving one another, and by sincerely accepting honest advice, you will truly be disciples of the Buddha.