How Have You Spent Your Day?

Children, today we gather for the Thrice Yearning Ceremony. I ask you: how have you spent your day? Has your day been filled with the busyness of worldly affairs, or has it been a day of true substance? Perhaps you have felt the profound Dharma joy of the practice, or perhaps you have simply let the days slip by, one after another, in a repetitive cycle of habit and distraction.

The Clarity of Your Chanting

When you chant the name of Namo Amituofo, are you doing so with absolute clarity? Can you hear each syllable resonate within your heart? Are you filled with joy knowing that immeasurable and boundless beings have come to this place seeking Chao Du? It is essential to understand the significance of this gathering:

• Namo Amituofo presides over the ceremony, offering his infinite compassion.
• Practitioner Su facilitates the spiritual deliverance, helping souls find peace.
• The Teacher provides constant guidance and support to ensure your progress.

Through this collective effort, immeasurable and boundless beings are helped to leave suffering behind and find happiness, or are guided to enter the Dharma-Nature Land.

Overcoming the Obstacles of the Mind

Are you still falling into the trap of drowsiness during the ceremony? Do you find your mind drifting into other spaces? You must listen closely to the Buddha’s words, the teachings of your Teacher, and the explanations provided by Practitioner Su. Use this moment to acknowledge your shortcomings and actively correct them. You must overcome the "self," personal ego, and selfishness that hold you back from fully participating in this sacred assembly. Every time you hear the Buddha-name, recognise that it is a precious gift.

The Preciousness of Every Moment

Every single minute and second spent at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is precious. It is a rare opportunity for Awakening. Amitabha Buddha, whose body encompasses the entire Dharma Realm, is here teaching and transforming all beings. The goal is to help you realise your true nature, understand the truth of the Dharma Realm, and guide you to chant Namo Amituofo and make the vow to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

How you spend your day depends entirely on how your heart leads your body and spirit. Let your vows be your guide. Be fiercely diligent and persistent. By overcoming your habits and the ego, you will soon reach Awakening, saving yourself and all beings as you prepare for rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Namo Amituofo