Recorded and transcribed by ’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.
September 13, 2025.
Words of Namo Amituofo:
"I have established a vow beyond the world." This statement reflects the moment when Namo Amituofo, during his initial practice as the monk Dharmakara, reported his Forty-eight Great Vows to his teacher, Lokesvararaja Buddha. Following this report, he expressed his determination to attain Buddhahood and establish a Buddha-land through verse, declaring that upon attaining Buddhahood, his name would be "Infinite Life."
The Origin of the Supreme Vow
When he said, "I have established a vow beyond the world, and I shall surely attain the Unsurpassed Path," the "I" refers to Namo Amituofo in his former identity as the monk Dharmakara. The "vow beyond the world" refers to the Forty-eight Great Vows he had formulated. Each of these vows surpasses the aspirations of ordinary people and even those of other Buddhas. The "Unsurpassed Path" refers to the attainment of Buddhahood itself. Every one of his vows is a step along this path, as they explicitly detail how beings from the ten directions of the Realm can enter the of Ultimate Bliss and, upon doing so, attain Buddhahood.
The Path to Buddhahood for All Beings
This is a truly magnificent achievement. Because of this, countless Buddhas across the infinite worlds of the ten directions have collectively praised and proclaimed the name of Namo Amituofo and the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. They do this to ensure that all beings have the opportunity to enter that Pure Land and attain Buddhahood. We must ask ourselves: as Buddhist practitioners and members of the fourfold assembly (monks, nuns, laymen, laywomen), do we possess the determination to establish such a vow beyond the world? Are we willing to move forward by relying on the vow that Namo Amituofo has already established for us?
Namo Amituofo relied on this vow to attain Buddhahood and establish the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. If we, as practitioners, follow this process according to the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way, we too can attain Buddhahood and establish our own Buddha nature within. This is the direction for those who follow the Pure Land Dharma Gate in the footsteps of Namo Amituofo.
The Two-Power Method in the Age of Dharma Decline
The Forty-eight Great Vows are the essence of The Infinite Sutra (The Buddha Speaks the , Infinite Life, Adornment, Purity, Impartiality, and Sutra). They constitute the method for attaining Buddhahood and establishing a Buddha-land. In this age of the Dharma’s decline, we live in a world of the Five Turbidities and Evil World. Beings are burdened by heavy , and if we rely solely on our own strength, it is difficult to withstand the force of our past actions. Therefore, we must practise the "Two-Power" method of the Pure Land school:
Self-effort: Through diligent practice, we maintain our focus and commitment.
Buddha's Power: By relying on the of Namo Amituofo, we receive the support of his merit and majestic spiritual power.
When karma manifests, our faith in the Buddha allows us to receive his protection. By maintaining our vows without retreat and engaging in continuous practice, we can purify our body, mind, and spirit:
Chanting the name of Namo Amituofo
Performing prostrations to the Buddha
Reciting the Sutras
Through this constant purification, the karma that has already manifested can be reduced or resolved with our , while the karma that has not yet manifested can be halted. If you can persist in this way, you will surely achieve success.
Connecting with the Heart of Namo Amituofo
It is my sincere hope that all practitioners and members of the fourfold assembly (monks, nuns, laymen, laywomen) can connect with the heart of Namo Amituofo. Establish your Bodhi (Enlightenment) heart and cultivate the vow to save the world and all beings. Once you have achieved the power of , you will also be able to receive the support of Namo Amituofo in your journey toward the Unsurpassed Path and your work in saving the world.
