In the journey of spiritual practice, you will inevitably encounter various challenges and difficulties. Regardless of the obstacles that may arise, you must remain steadfast. To fulfil your original vows and achieve your deepest aspirations, you must be prepared to break through every barrier that stands in your way. Even if the waves of life rise high before you, you must face them with courage and clarity.
You are fortunate to be at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre in Goombungee, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia. Here, you have the guidance of , the support of Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, and the leadership of Practitioner Su. You may ask questions and seek improvement at any time. Furthermore, you are protected by the Dragon and Heaven Protectors, who assist all disciples in ensuring that your practice remains undisturbed by external influences.
The Power of Faith and Daily Practice
No matter what happens, you must continue to break through your limitations. You must purify your heart again and again, and you must be diligent in your practice. If you chant Namo Amituofo all the way, there will surely come a day when your vows are fulfilled and you achieve spiritual success. Those who make the vow to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss must be true believers in the Buddha.
To be a true believer, you must cultivate the following:
Faith in the existence of Namo Amituofo.
Faith in the existence of the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
Faith that Namo Amituofo provides at all times, especially during your chanting.
With faith as your foundation, combined with diligent chanting and unwavering vows, you will be able to resolve conflicts with your and successfully invite spirits to receive .
The Wisdom of Leaving Suffering Behind
Those who understand the nature of suffering are those who have grown weary of the world. They have tasted the bitterness of aging, sickness, and the pain of separation from loved ones. When you realise that life is impermanent and that clinging to the illusions of this world is the root of suffering, you will seek a higher path. Only by seeking rebirth in the Western Pure Land can you find true serenity, where you are free from all suffering and experience only happiness.
Therefore, you must be diligent in your daily practice:
Chant the name of Namo Amituofo with sincerity.
Perform prostrations to the Buddha.
Recite the Sutras to deepen your understanding.
Listen to the Dharma to clarify your mind.
No matter what, keep your goal of rebirth in the Western Pure Land at the forefront of your mind. Hold tightly to the Buddha-name, ensuring that your thoughts are continuous and uninterrupted. Keep the Buddha in your heart, on your lips, and in your every action, twenty-four hours a day.
The Great Fortune of the Practitioner
When you reach the end of your life, if you can continue to chant without your mind becoming confused, you will be blessed. If you chant with absolute sincerity and single-mindedness, Namo Amituofo will manifest before you to lead you to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This is the greatest fortune one can attain. As members of the fourfold assembly, you are currently residing in a sacred Buddha-land. Although you have the presence of Namo Amituofo, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, and Practitioner Su to guide you, you must remember that your spiritual skills are gained through your own self-cultivation.
Never allow yourself to become complacent or satisfied with your current state. You must strive for progress, for only then will you have the opportunity to rediscover your true self. It is your duty to save yourself and to save other beings, leading them all to the Western Pure Land. You should aim to have such confidence in your practice that you know the time of your departure in advance, and eventually, you will be able to travel freely back and forth to the Western Pure Land to save all sentient beings with whom you have a karmic affinity.
Once the holy name of Namo Amituofo enters your ears, it becomes a seed of the Way that will last forever. You can transform karmic connections into Dharma affinities and spread these connections widely. This is the work of a wise practitioner who truly understands how to spread the Dharma of the Pure Land.
