Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju offers these profound insights, recorded and transcribed by ’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe, during the first session of the on 24 March 2024.
The Boundless Vision of the Awakened
For those who have realised their true nature, or for those who have entered into deep meditative concentration, the limitations of physical space do not exist. They possess the unique ability to transcend the barriers that separate one location from another. Whether a place is near or far, or whether it exists within a different dimension, they can perceive the conditions of all beings within those spaces with absolute clarity.
When one resides in the of Ultimate Bliss, one can look upon the various Buddha-lands and the myriad realms of existence. If one wishes to know the situation of a particular being in a distant space, one can do so effortlessly. The distance, no matter how vast, is naturally drawn near. This is why they can see everything clearly and understand the truth of every situation.
The Compassionate Vow to Save Beings
Many beings from the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss look upon the beings with karmic affinity who are suffering in the cycle of rebirth. Their hearts are filled with , and they cannot bear to see these beings continue to endure such pain. Consequently, they make a solemn vow to descend into the six realms of existence to offer salvation to all those with whom they share a connection.
However, the worldly realm is a place of great defilement and suffering. Among those who descend to save others, the outcomes vary: some are able to successfully complete their mission and return to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss; others become lost in the vast ocean of , trapped within the cycle of rebirth and suffering, unable to find their way back. Ultimately, through the compassionate guidance of the patriarchs and venerable masters, and the infinite grace of Namo Amituofo, these lost beings can still be saved and return to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
The Journey of the Students of Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
You, the students of Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, are such beings. You are currently in this very state. In the past, you made a vow to descend into the world to save beings, yet you became lost along the way and have not yet returned to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. The scope of your mission was vast and not limited to this Earth; you may have travelled to other worlds, distant planets, or even the Demon Realm to carry out your work.
Now, Namo Amituofo has descended to abide at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. This is a rare and precious opportunity. He is here to lead beings from the ten directions and from all realms of existence back to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
Returning Home Through Namo Amituofo
If you are currently in the human world, you must cherish this opportunity to be close to the temple. You should enter into your practice, chant Buddha's name diligently, and refine your skills until you achieve the success required to return to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
If you are currently in the spiritual realms, you can be saved through the process of . By chanting Buddha's name, you can be led by Him to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, or you may first be liberated from your current realm and enter into the human or heavenly realms. The priority is always to leave suffering behind. Once your good roots, , and Causal Conditions are fully matured, you will be saved and return to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
