Namo Amituofo Reciting Namo Amituofo

During the second session of the Thrice Yearning Ceremony held on March 7, 2021, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju provided a profound teaching on the nature of Buddha-recitation. This teaching, titled "Namo Amituofo Reciting Namo Amituofo," invites us to look deeply into the essence of our practice and our relationship with the Buddha.

The Mirror of the Infinite

We often ask ourselves, "Who is Namo Amituofo?" The answer is simpler and more intimate than we might imagine. I am Namo Amituofo, you are Namo Amituofo, and he is Namo Amituofo. In truth, every being is Namo Amituofo. When we realise this, we understand that there is no separation between the Buddha and ourselves.

The Melody of Direct Recitation

Reflecting upon the great compassion of the Buddha, I once composed a verse to guide practitioners on the path of direct recitation:

• Namo Amituofo teaches me to chant the name of Namo Amituofo.With my mouth, I chant the name of Namo Amituofo, and with my ears, I listen to the sound of Namo Amituofo.I chant "Namo Amituofo, Namo Amituofo" continuously, straight on without distraction.In the end, I realise that it is Namo Amituofo who is chanting Namo Amituofo.

This verse serves as a reminder that our practice is not merely an external act, but a return to our original nature.

The Ocean of Boundless Compassion

Namo Amituofo possesses a heart of great compassion that is equal and impartial, showing no distinction between high or low. Because the Buddha cannot bear to see any being suffer, he refuses to abandon even a single soul. To save all beings, he made the Forty-eight Great Vows and spent five kalpas establishing the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. By single-mindedly chanting the name of Namo Amituofo, we are granted the path to enter that Western Pure Land.

Awakening the Light of the True Self

If you continue to chant the sacred name of Namo Amituofo with a sincere heart, there will surely come a day when your heart opens and your understanding becomes clear. You will reach a state where your own Buddha-nature manifests. You will find your true self, which is identical to the Buddha-nature of Namo Amituofo. We must realise that all beings possess this inherent Buddha-nature, and through the practice of chanting, everyone can become a Buddha.

A Vow for the Students of Hsiang Kuang

The one who teaches is Namo Amituofo, and the one who chants is also Namo Amituofo. Truly, every person is Namo Amituofo. I hope that all the students of Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre will hold this truth with firm faith, make the vow to return to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, and put this into practice every day. If you do so, you will certainly attain the fruit of your practice, and the Buddha's path will be fulfilled.

This message was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.