As the noon offering approaches, the boundary between the human realm and the spirit realm dissolves. Countless spirits have gathered, their presence felt in the stillness of the hall. They are here because they seek the truth, kneeling before the Buddha with a singular, desperate hope: to be liberated into the of Ultimate Bliss. observes this vast assembly and offers guidance to all who are present.
The spirits are here for , and their presence is a testament to the vastness of suffering. The assembly must be mindful and respectful, for the Buddha is truly present before us. We must align our hearts with the , ensuring that our practice is sincere and our intentions are pure. We must uphold the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way in every thought.
There is a supreme Dharma available now that can assist all beings in their journey to the West. If you are part of this assembly, you must grasp this opportunity with a sincere heart. Namo Amituofo invites all beings to witness the lotus throne and join in the journey toward the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Through the infinite light of the Buddha, the souls of the departed are led back to clarity and . As we offer food and perform the rites, we invite all beings to awaken to the pure connection that exists between the Buddha and themselves.
Awakening from the Ghostly Realm
In the first session of the ceremony, Namo Amituofo speaks to the multitude of spirits that fill the space. The ghost realm is crowded with souls who once walked the earth. Many lived their lives without knowing the truth, and now they wander in confusion, unable to see the purity of their own nature. To be reborn in the true land, one must turn the heart toward the truth.
If you are a spirit present in this Dharma assembly, you must listen with a sincere heart. Do not disturb the proceedings; instead, use this time to resolve your own spiritual obstacles. You must understand that your time in the cycle of rebirth is fleeting. You must grasp this moment of clarity to move forward. Do not linger in the dust of the world; move swiftly toward the light. Only when the assembly moves toward the truth can the world itself find peace.
Namo Amituofo has come specifically to respond to your call. He is here to guide you back to the West and help you leave suffering behind. You must chant the name of Namo Amituofo with absolute sincerity, believe in the power of the Buddha's voice, and purify your heart so that you may be ready for the light. Awakening is the light of your true self. By practising meditative concentration, you can achieve the skills necessary to return to the light. The Buddha waits for you, and all beings are truly the children of the Buddha.
The Illusion of Worldly Wealth
In the second session, Namo Amituofo addresses the nature of greed, which traps souls within the ghost realm. Many beings are so attached to the world that they have forgotten their true nature. You must wake up. The world is filled with illusions, and there is no true substance in the things you chase. You must understand the nature of the true soul and stop destroying your own life through ignorance.
Your heart must be placed in sincerity, for this is where the true benefit lies. Do not live only for yourself, as this only deepens the cycle of suffering. If you are here now, you have encountered the supreme Dharma. You must understand how to respond with your heart and how to walk the right path. Your life depends on your sincerity. If you lose your way, your spirit will drift in the darkness, not knowing where to go.
The wealth you possess now is not real. When you reach the shore of the next life, you will realise that these things have no value. You must place your heart on the right path and help save the beings who are suffering. Your past has left deep marks on your heart, but you can break these chains through diligent practice. Stop disturbing the present moment and awaken to the truth of your existence.
Walking the Path of True Awakening
In the final session, Namo Amituofo speaks of the true realisation that comes from seeing one's true nature. He asks: what are you doing with your life, and are you truly present? This path requires a single-minded focus, for it is the only way to reach the place of awakening. You must work hard and do your best to understand the path.
This place is a true trace of the Pure Land. As the assembly gathers, you help to manifest the Pure Land in this world. If you can understand the purity of this land, you should help to protect and support it. By doing so, you complete the true Dharma and cultivate your own practice. You must strive to achieve this awakening, for it is only through your own success that you can help save others.
The world is a dark place that needs illumination. If your skills are sufficient, you will be able to respond to all situations with wisdom. Do not be distracted by the things of this world, for they are merely dust beneath your feet. Walking toward the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss is the only true path of awakening. It is the only place where the spirit truly finds its home. Recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Shi Fazhai.
