Teachings on Collective Prostrations from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju

The Gathering of Spirits

At the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, during our weekly group prostrations held every Thursday evening from six to nine o'clock, the sound of the Buddha-name emanates from the second-floor Buddha hall. This is not merely a practice for the living; it is a precious opportunity for countless sentient beings in the Dharma realm to hear the sacred Buddha-name and join in the prostrations.

Within the temple grounds, there are already layers upon layers of spirits gathered. Although the space is crowded, they are remarkably orderly as they perform their prostrations. Some spirits are filled with joy, their faces radiant with smiles as they bow. Others are moved to tears, with two streams of warm droplets rolling down their cheeks. This deep emotion arises because they have not heard the Buddha-name for a very long time. The sound evokes memories of their past lives, when they would visit temples to hear monastics chant the Buddha-name in the serene, quiet atmosphere of the sanctuary.

The Resonance of Compassion

Though they are now sorrowful spirits, they have found their way to a temple where Namo Amituofo truly abides. They have come seeking Chao Du, and their tears are tears of profound gratitude. Each of these beings carries their own unique story, yet they have all arrived at this temple at the same time. Here, they are bathed in the Buddha-light, which works to remove their accumulated defilements and purify their spirits. Together, they share in the great compassion and grace of Namo Amituofo.

When the sound of the Buddha-name begins to resonate, the atmosphere becomes electric with devotion. The beings begin to chant along, each in their own way:

• Some chant softly to themselves, keeping the Buddha-name in their hearts.
• Others chant aloud with great fervour, their voices joining the chorus.
• Many follow the fourfold assembly, listening intently to the Buddha-name while performing their prostrations.

The entire site is filled with a singular, powerful sense of unity and focus.

The Unity of Practice

These countless spirits, stretching out beyond what the eye can see, are all bowing with sincere respect. They are paying homage to:

• Namo Amituofo
• Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva
• Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva
• The entire assembly of pure, vast Bodhisattvas

In truth, by bowing to these holy beings, they are also paying homage to the Buddha nature within themselves. At the same time, one can observe the Dharma Body of Practitioner Su outside the temple, conducting Chao Du, while the fourfold assembly performs group prostrations inside the Buddha hall. The inner and outer practices echo and support one another in perfect harmony.

The Radiance of the Dharma

The light of devotion from the fourfold assembly, the light emanating from the Dharma Body of Practitioner Su during the Chao Du, and the brilliant Buddha-light from Namo Amituofo, Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva, and the holy assembly of the West all resonate together. This convergence causes the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre to shine with a magnificent golden light.

This light shines boundlessly, and the fragrance of the Dharma permeates the entire Dharma Realm. It shines everywhere, helping infinite sentient beings leave suffering behind and find happiness. The power of this practice is truly inconceivable. We must cherish every moment of this opportunity to practise, for it is a gateway to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Namo Amituofo