Straight Ahead Without Regret: Teachings from Namo Amituofo

Teachings from Namo Amituofo, recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

My children, at this very moment, Namo Amituofo truly abides at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Goombungee, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia. This is a rare and precious occurrence that has not existed in the past. Whether this presence continues into the future depends entirely upon the Dharma affinity shared with all beings.

The Vow to Save All Beings

This affinity is defined by your willingness to cultivate a profound vow to save all beings. It is about whether you possess the sincere aspiration to walk the same path as the Buddha, to share in His great vows, and to carry forward the Buddha’s teachings to rescue countless suffering beings. This is not merely a task for the human world or for those within the six realms of existence; it is a mission that spans the entire universe.

The Boundless Scope of Deliverance

The scope of deliverance offered by the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is truly limitless. It encompasses the beings within the six realms of existence who are trapped in the cycle of rebirth, the Four Sacred Realms where beings seek further refinement, and the entire Dharma Realm, which is the vast field where Namo Amituofo’s compassion reaches. You must understand this clearly: there is no boundary to the work of salvation that this temple is capable of performing.

Navigating the Path Through Challenges

When you are engaged in work at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre that is blessed by the Buddha’s power, I ask that you proceed with unwavering determination. Even if you encounter demon tests, you must remain steadfast. Under the protection of the Buddha’s blessings, please continue to walk straight ahead without regret. These tests are not obstacles to be feared; rather, they are opportunities that examine a practitioner’s compassion, wisdom, and tolerance toward all beings.

The Vital Importance of Faith and Guidance

For those whose Dharma affinity has manifested, you are fortunate to have true spiritual friends who can provide guidance and instruction, offering you the opportunity to return to the right path of the Buddha. However, for those whose affinity has not yet matured, there is a danger. Without the guidance of a true spiritual friend, one may be swayed by the influence of demons and inadvertently enter the Demon Realm. This would be a profound tragedy.

The fourfold assembly of disciples at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre should possess a faith in the Buddha that is clearly stronger than that of others. You are blessed with the direct, earnest instructions of the Buddha, provided daily, as well as the watchful care of Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju and the constant guidance and support of Practitioner Su. All of these are provided to lead the fourfold assembly along the True Teachings toward the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Staying True to the Straight Path

If you allow yourself to be disturbed by negative influences and retreat, or if you shift your direction to follow side paths, you will find yourself drifting further and further away from your vow to reach the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss in this lifetime. You are currently on a straight and level road—the Great Path to the West. If you do not walk straight, but instead choose to wander into winding, narrow side paths, you will only distance yourself from your goal. How then will you ever be able to enter the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss? By straying from this path, you move further away from the journey to realise one's true nature and attain Buddhahood. Stay focused, stay true, and walk straight ahead.

Namo Amituofo