Never Forget Your Roots

Teachings from Namo Amituofo, recorded by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe.

March 11, 2023.

Namo Amituofo teaches us: Never forget your roots. A root is the very foundation of your existence. In the human world, your parents are your roots. Without them, you would not exist. You would not have the opportunity to be here in this human world, to learn the Dharma, to practise, or to rediscover your true self.

The Foundation of Our Spiritual Journey

At Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, we are engaged in the noble work of learning and practice. If we did not have the Buddha’s words and the teachings of our masters to guide us at every moment, if we did not have their constant reminders to purify our hearts and wash away the dust of our afflictions, we would surely be lost. If we did not have Practitioner Su by our side, offering constant encouragement and guidance, how could we have walked this path together to reach this very moment?

The Goal of Diligent Practice

You must always remember your roots. Let this remembrance fuel your diligent practice. Your goal is to open up the space of your mind and realise your true nature. Once you have attained this awakening, you must dedicate yourself to saving the world and helping all beings. This is how you repay the kindness you have received. We must recognise that our Dharma Body and our wisdom-life are sustained by the grace of Namo Amituofo, Teacher-Practitioner Xia Lianju, and Practitioner Su. They are our true roots.

Transforming Gratitude into the Buddha's Name

Everyone knows that chanting Namo Amituofo is beneficial. To truly walk this path, you must:

• Cultivate Bodhicitta, the heart of enlightenment, in all that you do.
• Focus your mind and chant Namo Amituofo with single-minded devotion.
• Transform your gratitude for Teacher-Practitioner Xia Lianju, Practitioner Su, and your parents into the name of Namo Amituofo.

By chanting Namo Amituofo at every moment, you are, in effect, expressing your deepest gratitude to Namo Amituofo, Teacher-Practitioner Xia Lianju, Practitioner Su, and your parents. This is the highest form of honouring those who have given you life and the path to liberation.

Namo Amituofo