It Has Only Just Begun

The Eternal Path of Awakening

Everything has only just begun. Learning Buddhism is a journey that is without beginning or end. It is a path that you can embark upon at any moment, and it is a journey that truly has no final destination. This eternal nature applies to every aspect of our spiritual life:

• The path of learning Buddhism, which is a lifelong commitment to wisdom.
• The path of saving beings, which is the compassionate work of the Bodhisattva.
• The path of walking alongside others, which is the shared journey of the fourfold community of disciples.

If you are a practitioner, you must realise that these paths are not separate; they are all part of the same continuous flow of the Dharma.

The Presence of the Buddha in the Heart

If you keep the Buddha in your heart, then no matter where you are or what time it is, the Buddha never leaves you. The Buddha is not a distant figure; the Buddha is the very essence of your own true self. When you maintain this connection, you are never truly alone, and your heart remains a sanctuary of peace and clarity.

Learning the Way to Buddhahood

When you learn Buddhism, you must be careful not to become confused by the external forms of the Buddha. Instead, you must learn how the Buddha became a Buddha. You must study the Buddha's profound abilities and understand how to save beings from the cycle of rebirth. This is the true purpose of your practice. You must strive to be like the Buddha: unmoved by the chaos of the world, yet constantly engaged in the work of saving beings and guiding them toward rebirth in the Western Pure Land.

The Beginning of a Great Journey

At the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, our collective learning, our diligent practice, our efforts to rediscover our true self, and our commitment to saving beings have only just begun. This is a journey that spans lifetimes, and we are honoured to walk this path with you. May we all continue to move forward with sincerity, faith, and unwavering dedication to the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way.

Namo Amituofo