Sailing Together: A Discourse on Our Shared Journey to the Western Pure Land

The Shared Journey

We are all gathered here, together in the same boat. This journey is not one that you take alone; you must support one another, offering a helping hand as we navigate the treacherous waters of existence. Our collective goal is clear and noble: to reach the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss safely and without delay. To reach this destination, we must focus on several vital aspects of our practice: supporting our fellow practitioners in their daily struggles and spiritual growth, overcoming the various dangers and obstacles that arise from our past Causal Conditions, and maintaining our shared commitment to the path of the Buddha, ensuring that no one is left behind.

It is not enough that you reach the shore yourself. You must also extend your compassion to help and save other beings, guiding them to leave suffering behind and find true happiness, so that we may all enter the Western Pure Land together.

Navigating the Age of the Dharma's Decline

In this current age of the Dharma's decline, the hearts and minds of people are diverse and often conflicted. Each individual is influenced by their own unique Causal Conditions, leading them to face various trials and karmic retributions. Because our hearts and minds differ so greatly, it is easy to become lost in the vast, turbulent ocean of samsara. Without the guidance of a virtuous teacher to lead the way, one will surely lose their direction in the boundless sea of delusion.

The Necessity of a Guide

The concept of sailing together in the same boat is a manifestation of our fundamental oneness. When we are in the midst of danger, we must rely on mutual rescue and support to remain safe. When we find ourselves in favourable circumstances, we must remind one another to remain vigilant, for it is easy to become complacent when the path seems smooth. During the great storms and high waves of life, you must hold firmly to the mast of the boat. Do not let the winds and waves blow you into the deep ocean, where you might sink and be lost in the currents of your own attachments.

Steadfastness in All Conditions

When the winds are calm and the waters are still, take the time to offer blessings to one another. Express your gratitude for the journey you have shared and for the peace you have found along the way. By staying focused and united, you ensure that your vessel continues to sail directly toward the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Let us continue to practise with sincerity, keeping our hearts aligned with the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way, so that our arrival at the Western Pure Land is assured. Namo Amituofo.

Words of Namo Amituofo, recorded by Chief Writer Venerable HaiZe.