Most people who arrive at a bodhimanda do so because they are searching for their true spirit and a heightened sense of awareness. Perhaps they feel a persistent, inner voice calling out to them, or they experience an internal impulse that compels them to seek something greater. For many, it is a specific form of guidance that leads them through the doors of a temple. They come seeking a way to truly resolve their afflictions and to cultivate the Wisdom (Prajna) that lies dormant within them. Coming to the temple to listen to sutras and hear the , to chant the name of , and to perform prostrations are the primary forces that help one achieve a state of balance between -Mind-Spirit.
Because of this, many begin their journey of practice. However, when one first encounters the Buddha’s teachings, the scope of their understanding is often quite narrow. This is what is known as a small-minded perspective. At this stage, one is often driven by selfishness, hoping that their practice or their chanting will satisfy their personal desires. They may pray for wealth, or they may pray for the health of their physical body. Yet, as they continue to listen to sutras and hear the Dharma, read the sutras, and encounter true spiritual friends, their mental notes begin to shift. They start to change their personality, and their perspective on life becomes fundamentally different.
The Path of Transformation
Just as people in the world seek to escape from suffering and find a way to untangle the knots of their afflictions, they often find themselves unable to let go. Consequently, they seek assistance from the Venerable ones in the temple, or they look to the guidance provided by the temple’s teachings to find a basis for change. Sometimes, the external appearances perceived by our physical eyes are naturally assimilated, and we change accordingly. At other times, our awareness is awakened, and our true, sensitive perception is elevated. When we face our own problems and resolve to improve, we create entirely new experiences. We are then re-inspired, inputting good factors into our lives day by day. By turning away from evil and cultivating Goodness, we can finally see our own selfishness and make the necessary adjustments to overcome it.
Those who understand the importance of giving do not seek rewards on the path of practice. They contribute silently. Beyond adjusting their own habits, they are better able to help the fellow practitioners around them. Essentially, this begins by demonstrating a willingness to work in silence, taking the initiative to contribute without asking for anything in return, and learning to be inclusive and united. Regarding the common goal we must advance toward in the practice centre—the salvation of all beings—we must hold a shared vision. We must propagate the Buddha’s teachings and the method of chanting Namo Amituofo. By actively and diligently contributing, we influence others to be positive and proactive, which in turn allows us to save more spirits, benefiting both others and ourselves.
The Purest Environment for Growth
The Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia is a true bodhimanda and the headquarters of the Pure Land school. Since it is called the Pure Land headquarters, it signifies that everything presented and taught here is the most orthodox and the most compassionate. When the heart is pure, the land is pure. Within this purification of the Body-Mind-Spirit, one will be able to receive the of all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. The Dharma talks given by Practitioner Su are profound, with every word and every sentence shaking the heart of every listener. I have witnessed Practitioner Su’s earnest and compassionate advice to those listening to the Dharma, urging them to change their habits, to be compassionate, and to be inclusive. By doing so, they can find their sooner, which allows them to save themselves while also saving other beings. This is a magnificent and rare opportunity.
Chanting the name of Namo Amituofo and seeking rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss is the focal point of our practice. Listening to sutras and hear the Dharma is the essential method explained by Practitioner Su. If you practise in this way, you will surely be able to realise your true nature and reach Awakening soon. Namo Amituofo.
This interview message was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Shi Haiyuan.
