Living in the Present: The Path to Awakening
Teachings from Namo Amituofo
Recorded by Venerable HaiZe on June 24, 2022
The Preciousness of Every Passing Moment
Time is truly priceless, yet our lives are inherently limited. Within this finite span of existence, it is our duty as practitioners to utilise our time for the purpose of purification and the rediscovery of our true self. We must learn to live in every single moment, ensuring that not a single second passes in vain. This concept is something that every practitioner must deeply understand and, more importantly, actively apply to their daily life. Only then can the practice of living in the present yield its true, transformative effects, becoming an inseparable part of your inner being.
This state of being is our original nature; it is how we were always meant to exist. However, because we have been separated from this truth for so long, it has become unfamiliar to us. We have fallen into the habit of living in the shadows of the past—dwelling on memories, nursing regrets, or pinning all our hopes on a distant, uncertain future. Most people live their lives for themselves, constantly planning for a future that is merely a continuation of their current attachments.
Breaking Free from the Cycle of Regret
The future is not a separate entity; it is composed entirely of the present moments we experience right now. If you make good use of each present moment, you are naturally moving towards a bright future. Conversely, if you fail to utilise the present, how can you expect a positive future to manifest? For most, the future is simply a continuation of the cycle of rebirth, governed by the laws of and spent navigating the inevitable suffering of birth, aging, sickness, and death.
Therefore, planning for the future in the conventional sense is merely participating in the cycle of rebirth. It is far more effective to actively grasp the present through dedicated practice:
- Chant Buddha's name
- : To align your mind with the light of Namo Amituofo.Prostrations
- : To humble the ego and purify .Recite the Sutras
- : To internalise the wisdom of the .Service: Flexibly adjusting your life to serve the community and perform your duties with a selfless heart.
By focusing on these actions, you move forward with the power of your vow, rather than being pushed by the momentum of your past karma.
The Power of Vow Over Karma
Only a vow that is selfless—a vow dedicated to the benefit of all beings—possesses the strength to overcome the heavy weight of karma. When you live in the present and put your vows into actual practice, you create the possibility of breaking free from the cycle of rebirth and the pain of birth, aging, sickness, and death. If you have made a vow, you must seize every present moment to embody it through your actions. Only through such physical and mental dedication can you receive the true benefits of the Dharma.
Otherwise, you will be left with nothing but regret. Another lifetime will pass, and you may not know when you will ever have the opportunity to practise again. The path to liberation requires constant vigilance and the courage to act now, rather than waiting for a more convenient time that may never arrive.
True Liberation in the Present
Living in the present also means knowing how to work with others without being entangled by past connections. Those who return to the Fragrant Light Centre all share past connections with one another. Whether those connections were good, bad, or neutral, they belong to the past. The present is the present; it is not influenced by what has already occurred, nor should it be clouded by anxieties about what is to come. There is only this manifest moment, right here and now.
This is the true meaning of living in the present: to be free from the entanglements of the past and the obstacles of the future. When you are unburdened, you allow your present actions to reach their greatest potential. This is the lesson that all of you must learn as you walk the path of the Buddha.
Namo Amituofo
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Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
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