Teachings from , recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe. On the twenty-sixth of October, 2025, during the midday offering, Namo Amituofo provided this essential guidance on the meaning of sailing together in the same boat.
To sail together in the same boat is a profound metaphor for our spiritual journey. It signifies that we are all travelling upon the same vessel, sharing the same destiny. To work together in this way means that we must offer mutual support and assistance to one another. By doing so, we can overcome the trials and difficulties that arise, ensuring that we successfully reach our ultimate destination.
Steering Through the Mists of Impermanence
We currently reside in a world defined by impermanence. In this realm, the hearts and minds of people change with startling speed. Often, individuals find themselves unable to maintain control over their own actions because they are influenced by various external and internal forces, such as the interference of demon crowds who seek to disrupt our focus, the weight of our own accumulated from past lives, or the influence of who come to seek balance for past harms.
When one is not in control of their own mind, they may inadvertently perform actions that cause harm to the entire group. Therefore, within our community, it is vital that we face these challenges together. We must remain united, sailing together in the same boat until we reach the shore of the of Ultimate Bliss.
The Haven Where Namo Amituofo Dwells
Human life is limited, and the nature of impermanence brings many uncertainties. Beyond the inevitable cycle of birth, aging, sickness, and death, we also face constant instability in our daily affairs and our external environments. Because all things exist within the cycle of cause and effect, we are constantly rising and falling, drifting in the currents of existence. One must possess the wisdom to either quickly distance oneself from these distractions or face them with a steady heart. Do not allow yourself to be led astray by karma, for that will only draw you back into the cycle of rebirth.
The Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Goombungee, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia, is the place where Namo Amituofo truly dwells. It is here that we are leading all beings and the fourfold assembly of disciples on a voyage toward the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
Weathering the Storms of Collective Karma
During the process of this voyage, we will inevitably encounter obstacles. Sometimes, we may face the collective karma of the fourfold assembly and all beings. Whether the winds and rains we encounter are fierce, causing the waves to surge, or whether they are merely light drizzles, the fourfold assembly and all beings must face these storms together. Namo Amituofo is able to guide the direction and the course of our journey through the vows and practices of the fourfold assembly. As long as we remain on this path, we will not lose our way.
The Voyage Toward Eternal Peace
However, for this guidance to be effective, you must be willing to listen and put the teachings into practice with diligence. You must cultivate your practice with sincerity. If you can set aside your personal opinions and work to change your personality traits, you will be able to sail together in harmony, safely weathering any storm that arises. By doing so, you will continue to advance steadily toward the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
Furthermore, as you progress on this journey, you will be able to lead even more beings who wish to leave suffering behind to board this vessel, joining us as we travel together toward the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
