Perfecting Supreme Bodhi: Teachings from Namo Amituofo
Insights on the Practice of Practitioner Su
Recorded and Transcribed by Venerable HaiZe
Teachings from Namo Amituofo:
To understand the path, one must first understand the terminology of the Buddhas. "Perfect" means to be complete, lacking nothing. "Supreme" signifies the highest peak, beyond which there is nothing further. "" refers to , realising one's true nature, and becoming a Buddha. Therefore, to perfect supreme Bodhi is to attain the ultimate state of Buddhahood.
The Awakening Under the Bodhi Tree
When Shakyamuni Buddha sat under the Bodhi tree, he gazed at the morning star and attained the path of the Buddha. From that moment, the term Bodhi has carried the profound meaning of achieving Buddhahood. It is the sincere wish of every practitioner to realise their true nature and attain this state. Once a Buddha is realised, their fundamental vow is to save all sentient beings. From this singular, compassionate vow, immeasurable and boundless methods have emerged. Every action taken by a Buddha is for the sake of saving beings and helping them leave suffering behind to find happiness.
In this state of Buddhahood, there is not a single trace of selfishness, nor a single messy thought. Everything is performed with pure, unadulterated Goodness. There is no ego, no attachment to , and no delusion, discrimination, and attachment. This is the foundation of the Four Great Vows, which serve as the guiding light for all who study the Buddha’s path, whether they are monastics or laypeople:
- Beings are numberless; I vow to save them all.Afflictions are inexhaustible; I vow to end them all.Dharma doors are boundless; I vow to learn them all.The Buddha’s path is supreme; I vow to attain it.
The Path of Faith, Vows, and Practice
For those seeking rebirth in the , the of Faith, Vows, and Practice are essential. Faith in oneself and faith in the Buddha are the primary requirements. Following this, one must act in accordance with Namo Amituofo’s Forty-eight Great Vows. Through this practice, you will come to deeply understand the vast, compassionate heart of Namo Amituofo, who seeks to save countless suffering beings. Because of these Forty-eight Great Vows, salvation is extended to all spirits throughout the Ten Directions of the Dharma Realm, including the entire universe and the boundless reaches of the Milky Way.
As long as a being possesses a spirit, they are within the scope of Namo Amituofo’s salvation. This is not limited by time, location, or space. At any moment, 24/7, it is a time for Namo Amituofo to save beings. Any place or space is a field for this salvation, including the Three Evil Realms of hells, hungry ghosts, and animals. Those who can sincerely vow to help others, who can let go of their own interests for the sake of the collective, and who are selfless, are truly following the Buddha in the work of salvation.
The Two-Power Method
Your true self-nature is inherently perfect. The practice of Faith, Vows, and Practice is simply a way to rediscover this original nature. Whether you are chanting the Buddha-name, performing prostrations, or reciting the Sutras, these are all methods to return to your true self. Furthermore, this path is known as the "two-power method." While you exert your own effort, you are simultaneously supported by the Buddha’s . This is a convenient and swift path for purification—purifying again and again, becoming better and better, until you enter the state of an awakened being.
If your Faith and Vows are not supported by actual practice, your wishes cannot be realised. However, if you are a true practitioner, then regardless of where you are, what time it is, or which of the six realms of existence you find yourself in—even if you are in the vastness of the Milky Way—you will receive the Buddha’s blessings until you reach the perfection of supreme Bodhi.
The Application of the Buddha-Name
Practitioner Su has demonstrated how to utilise the Buddha-name to its fullest potential. During , whether at any time or place, he never departs from the Buddha-name. When an awakened being maintains such purity, the Buddha-light and the Buddha’s power are activated. If one continues to hold firmly to the name of Namo Amituofo, they receive the Buddha’s constant support. Because their practice is pure, selfless, and in sync with Namo Amituofo’s Forty-eight Great Vows, they share the same heart and the same vows as the Buddha. This allows them to apply the Dharma with greater efficacy in saving beings.
It is through the combination of the practitioner’s own merits, their virtuous conduct, and the Buddha’s blessings that the Dharma becomes so powerful. Whether it is through chanting the Buddha-name, performing Chao Du through the , or using Chao Du through visualisation, these methods can achieve great results. This is also the reason why, even when different practitioners or members of the fourfold assembly perform the same chanting or visualisation—or even when they invoke the Twelve Lights—the results can vary significantly.
This difference is not because the Buddha’s blessings are selective. Rather, it is because the individual’s level of faith, their personal practice, and their degree of purification differ. The more you purify yourself, the more you are able to absorb the blessings of the Buddha-name and the Twelve Lights. When a practitioner can do this, it is a great blessing for all sentient beings, because the awakened being uses this power solely to save others. This is also why the Twelve Lights, as observed and utilised by Practitioner Su, are so effective in subduing demonic enemies. Because his heart is boundless, the number of demonic beings saved by the Twelve Lights is also immeasurable.
If you have doubts about the Buddha and cannot place your full, unquestioning faith in him, the effect of your chanting and your use of the Twelve Lights will be limited. The Buddha’s blessings are received in proportion to your own efforts. The more you purify yourself, the more you receive the power of the Buddha-name. As long as your heart to save beings never ceases, the Buddha’s care and blessings will never cease. This is the true meaning of the Pure Land two-power method.
Namo Amituofo
More by Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
The Final Curtain Call of Chu Ke-liang
A candid reflection from the late Taiwanese entertainer Chu Ke-liang on his life, his career, the karmic weight of his influence, and his ultimate deliverance to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.
The Soul's True Equality: A Conversation with Mahatma Gandhi
This is a record of an interview with Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life and his journey to the Pure Land.
A Reflection from the Western Pure Land
This is a record of an interview with Zhao Puchu, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life in the 20th century. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa Hui, on April 18, 2026.
The Truth Behind My Rebirth: A Message from Liu Suqing
Liu Suqing, the elder sister of the renowned practitioner Liu Suyun, shares her harrowing journey through the spirit realms and her ultimate deliverance to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss through the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre.
The Burden of a Historical Name
This is a record of an interview with Lin Biao, who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life approximately 54 years ago. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa, on May 18, 2026.
The Poet’s Journey to the Western Pure Land
A reflection on the life, tragedy, and ultimate spiritual liberation of the ancient statesman Qu Yuan, who found peace through the teachings of Practitioner Su.
About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library