Journeying Toward the Western Pure Land: Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju

Recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

The True Meaning of Journeying West

To journey toward the West is to advance toward the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Many ask where this land truly exists. It is not merely a place located beyond ten trillion Buddha lands; it is also found within the heart of the one who chants, serving as the Buddha-nature land within your own self. Furthermore, it is present right here at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Goombungee, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia, where Namo Amituofo resides.

The Call of the Heart

When a spirit at the end of life wishes to go to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, they must ensure their mind is not confused. If they can maintain single-minded focus and call out the name of Namo Amituofo, the Buddha will hear them. Regardless of where in the ten directions of the Dharma Realm they may be, or what time or space they occupy, the Buddha hears the heart-sound of the one who chants. Upon hearing this call, Namo Amituofo will manifest a lotus before the spirit. Once the spirit steps onto the lotus, they are instantly transported into the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Transforming Karma Through Practice

This journey is achieved through the strength of your Faith, Vows, and Practice, as well as the depth of your meditative skills. To ensure your success, you should strive to:

• Lead the cells within your own body to chant Namo Amituofo.
• Invite your karmic creditors to chant alongside you.
• Transform your past karma by dedicating every moment to the Buddha’s name.

This is the vital time to transform your karma. At the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, where Namo Amituofo resides, if you chant with a sincere heart, the Buddha will personally lead your spirit into the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

The Path of Deliverance

For those spirits who have passed on and are currently in the Western Land of Dharma Nature, the path to rebirth is also clear. After listening to the sutras and hearing the Dharma, they may make a sincere vow to be reborn in the West. Through the Chao Du performed during the Thrice Yearning Ceremony, Practitioner Su can guide these spirits into the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

The Ultimate Guarantee

On this journey toward the West, you must be equipped with the three provisions of Faith, Vows, and Practice. The more complete and abundant these provisions are, the greater your opportunity to enter the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. If you can follow the example of Practitioner Su—practising with a human body until you reach the state of an awakened being—you will be able to travel freely to and from the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This is the ultimate guarantee for your rebirth! This is the direction in which all students of Hsiang Kuang must strive with diligent practice. Regardless of the challenges you face, entering the precious land of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is the very act of journeying toward the West. It is your greatest hope for returning home.

Namo Amituofo