When you are caught up in the endless busyness of worldly affairs, your heart may ask: When can I finally slow my pace, rest, and find true stability for my Body-Mind-Spirit? The answer is simple yet profound: if you can hold the Buddha-name of in your heart at all times, you can attain that stability in any moment.
The Burden of the Physical Form
When old age and sickness manifest, they cause to suffer, and you may find that you can no longer be the master of your own physical form. The various circumstances you enjoyed before this decline now seem distant and unreachable. Your heart may ask: Why must I endure this suffering? Why can I not simply live out my days in peace and health?
The answer lies in the nature of our existence. This body is a result of our past , and it is dominated by the laws of karma and cause and effect. It is difficult to be truly autonomous when you are bound by these forces, as you have yet to align yourself with the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. However, there is a way forward:
If you can practise diligently and stop creating negative causes, you will not have to endure the evil consequences.
If you can make a sincere vow to chant Namo Amituofo and seek rebirth in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, you will leave all suffering behind and only receive all happiness.
You must change your personality traits, for this is the fundamental method to stop the cycle of old age and sickness.
Transcending the Suffering of Separation
When you witness the suffering of others as they face the end of life, your heart may ask: How can I distance myself from the cycle of old age and sickness? How can I avoid the suffering of the separation of the four elements? The answer is found in the path of purification:
Engage in repenting of your sins and resolving conflicts with all beings.
Participate in to help those who are suffering.
Practise diligently to change your personality traits, which will allow you to see your true nature.
The Journey of the Spirit
When a loved one passes away, you may feel a deep sense of longing and grief. Your heart may ask: Where has their spirit gone, and are they well now? The truth is that the six realms of existence are all possible destinations, and without the right guidance, their path is uncertain.
At the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre in Goombungee, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia, there is a sanctuary for the departed. Here, one can receive Chao Du and ask the Buddha about the destination of the deceased. Through the guidance of Practitioner Su, these spirits can be led into the Western Land of Nature at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, and from there, they can enter the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.
and the Path to Buddhahood
When you see sentient beings suffering and in pain, you may feel a surge of compassion, as if you yourself were one of those suffering beings. Your heart may ask: How can I avoid this suffering and live a life of peace? The answer is to dedicate yourself to the path:
Practise diligently and chant Namo Amituofo to achieve your own liberation.
Realise your true nature and attain Buddhahood.
Widely save suffering sentient beings who have affinities with you.
Resolving the Grievances of the Past
When you seek the Dharma, you may find that your manifest to seek revenge and repay grievances, leaving you unable to be the master of your own life. Your heart may ask: I am willing to repent of all the sins I have committed in the past, and I wish to resolve the conflict with my karmic creditors. Who can help me? Is there a place where these spirits can be settled and helped to leave their suffering behind?
The answer is found at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. You can invite Amitabha Buddha and Practitioner Su to assist in inviting these spirits. At the same time, you must actively practise, change your personality traits, and strive for a state of . By doing so, your karma will not manifest, and you will be able to see your true nature and attain Buddhahood.
Namo Amituofo
Recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe
