’s discourse: "Arouse the Bodhi mind and single-mindedly recite Namo Amituofo" is the essential guidance within The Infinite Sutra (The Buddha Speaks the , Infinite Life, Adornment, Purity, Impartiality, and Enlightenment Sutra) for those who aspire to be reborn in the of Ultimate Bliss.
You must arouse the Bodhi mind! The Bodhi mind refers to the heart of , the heart of attaining Buddhahood, and the heart of saving all beings. Those who sincerely arouse the Bodhi mind vow to attain Buddhahood, and like the Buddha, to save countless suffering beings.
For practitioners who have not aroused the Bodhi mind, their hearts cannot be in sync with Namo Amituofo. Consequently, it is difficult for the Buddha-name to settle the mind, and difficult to hold the Buddha-name firmly.
Why Modern Practitioners Struggle
It is not easy for modern practitioners to arouse the Bodhi mind because people do not feel suffering, nor do they see the suffering of others, including their own. Thus, it is difficult to generate the heart to save oneself and others from suffering, especially the suffering of birth, aging, sickness, death, and the six realms of rebirth.
Even if it is a very small matter, or dedicating the merit of reciting the Buddha-name to beings so that they may receive help, feel at ease, leave suffering behind, and gain happiness, such a heart is truly precious.
The Compassionate Presence of Namo Amituofo
Today, Namo Amituofo is residing at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia, having come specifically to help beings, to save beings, to help them leave suffering and gain happiness, and to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
Everyone, the Buddha-name should be held in your heart at all times, until it continues 24/7 without interruption. The Buddha-name is your lifeline and your protection! If your recitation is in sync with the heart of Namo Amituofo, you will receive the Buddha's and be able to awaken the Buddha nature within you; this is the true meaning of reciting the Buddha-name.
Cultivating Your Lotus in the Western Pure Land
As long as you recite the Buddha-name and make the vow to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, a lotus flower bearing your name will grow in the Seven-Jewel Pond, nourished by the eight virtues of the water. If you can diligently irrigate this lotus with a pure heart, the lotus will grow more dignified, pure, bright, and fragrant.
When a practitioner is diligent and successful, maintaining the Buddha-name 24/7 without interruption, they will realise the non-arising of phenomena. When the lotus blooms and they see the Buddha, they will realise the non-arising of phenomena. Upon entering the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, the lotus opens and they enter the Land of Real Reward, where they can behold the perfect, complete Reward Body of Namo Amituofo. This is the achievement of one who has mastered the skills of recitation, one who has attained the strength of meditative concentration, and one who possesses the Bodhi mind.
