teaches that true greatness is found in the capacity to encompass all. One must strive to open one's mind-capacity, for the extent of one's heart determines how many beings one is able to save. If one's heart is small and narrow, one will struggle even to save oneself, let alone others. If one attempts to save beings while one's own heart remains constricted, one will find that one cannot move them; instead, one may find oneself being influenced and led astray by the very beings one intended to help.
Those with a great mind-capacity possess the ability to encompass everything. This includes the smallest individual, the largest group, the environment, and all the way up to the infinite beings throughout the Realm, the universe, and the vastness of empty space.
The Boundless of the Awakened
Greatness is found in this inclusivity. The hearts of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and those who have realised their true nature are without boundaries. They encompass the infinite. They are able to accept and embrace all sentient beings throughout the ten directions. Regardless of the space, the time, or where a being comes from, they are able to provide salvation and help them leave suffering behind. This is done in accordance with the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. They encourage all beings to chant the name of Namo Amituofo, to make the vow to enter the of Ultimate Bliss, and to attain Buddhahood, thereby leaving behind ultimate suffering and finding ultimate happiness.
Seeing the Buddha in Every Being
Greatness is found in the ability to forgive. One must be able to encompass the faults and shortcomings of others. Do not hold onto past grievances; instead, continue to respect the other person as a Buddha who has simply lost their way due to confusion. One must be able to accept all types of beings, regardless of their status or role:
Those of high or low social standing
Those of different wealth or poverty
All beings in the natural world, including mountains, rivers, and the earth
All creatures, from the smallest insects to the largest animals
All those suffering in the various spaces and wars of different historical eras
The Infinite Vows of
Namo Amituofo abides within the Dharma Realm. When He was Dharmakara Bhikshu, He witnessed the suffering of all beings. Without a single trace of self, and free from all selfish desires, He contemplated deeply upon what beings truly needed. It was from this profound state that He made the Forty-eight Great Vows. He vowed to encompass all beings in the Dharma Realm, ensuring that no being would be left in suffering. He vowed that not a single being would go unsaved. It is only through this commitment to save all countless suffering beings that the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss could be established.
The Strength to Forgive and Transcend
Greatness is found in one's resilience. One must be able to encompass the slander, disregard, hostility, and lack of trust that others may direct toward one. Even when faced with verbal or physical harm, one must not hold onto resentment or keep a tally of these wrongs. One must live entirely in the present moment. Only by doing so can one fulfil the Buddha-actions required to save countless suffering beings.
The Path of the Practitioner
Greatness is found in one's practice. As a practitioner of the Great Vehicle, one must encourage oneself and save oneself. One must develop the skill of chanting Namo Amituofo to ensure one's rebirth in the Western Pure Land. By cultivating this skill, one simultaneously perfects the Six Paramitas, leading to and the realisation of one's true nature. In this way, one will successfully complete one's path, following Namo Amituofo to save all beings and guide them toward rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Namo Amituofo.
