Recorded and transcribed by ’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.
The Fleeting Nature of Our Days
Time flows like a river, never pausing for our convenience. As we look back, we see how quickly the days of our youth have passed, and how rapidly a child grows into a young adult. This is the nature of our existence in this world; it is a constant state of flux. In the same way, the years spent at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre have passed in a flash. We have witnessed the transformation of what was once barren land into a sanctuary of white buildings, and now, those very buildings are evolving into a true Buddha-land, currently undergoing further expansion to accommodate the needs of all beings.
The Necessity of Self-Correction
We must also reflect on the time we have spent attempting to correct our faults. Have we truly made progress? Often, we find that we have achieved very little, letting precious seconds slip through our fingers. We remain burdened by:
Ego-attachment:
The stubborn belief in a permanent self.Subjective views:
The tendency to see the world only through our own limited perspective.Unyielding personality: A refusal to listen or accept guidance from others.
These traits are obstacles to our spiritual growth. We must continue to adjust our behaviour and refine our character. We must be extremely cautious, ensuring that we do not create further negative through our words, thoughts, or actions.
Purifying the Heart
To return to our original, true self and self-nature, we must commit to the process of purification. We must be willing to let go of everything that clouds our heart. We must empty ourselves until we are free of all attachments, for only in this state of emptiness can our true self be revealed. The years of our practice have also passed quickly. We must ask ourselves: how much have we truly purified? How much of our internal pollution have we removed? And more importantly, have we ensured that these impurities are not returning?
The Fire of Ignorance
We must recognise the fire of ignorance that has burned within us in the past. It is this ignorance that leads us to create negative karma, and it is the fire of anger that consumes the forest of our accumulated merits. Because of this, we must practise diligently and without delay. Do not linger in your old habits; the path to requires constant, focused effort.
The Grace of the assembly
The days of our Dharma assembly also pass in a flash. Week after week, we participate in the . We are incredibly fortunate to have Namo Amituofo presiding over this ceremony, guiding us with . Furthermore, it is a rare and precious opportunity to have Practitioner Su leading the community. Under this guidance, we perform the work of , helping countless spirits and suffering beings to leave their pain behind and find happiness. Together, we are all moving towards the Western Land of Dharma Nature.
Transformation and Awakening
It is time to leave our past behind and undergo a complete transformation. We must change our hearts, start anew, and cultivate:
Goodness of heart:
Developing a mind of compassion for all.Goodness of action:
Performing deeds that benefit others.Goodness of speech: Using words that bring peace and harmony.
By distancing ourselves from all evil and the influence of negative forces, we allow our pure heart and our Buddha-heart to shine forth. Although our days pass quickly, and although we may have stumbled and needed to correct our path many times, if we finally succeed in seeing our true nature, then our time at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre will not have been in vain. Namo Amituofo.
