The Buddha and Sentient Beings: A Discourse on Our True Nature

Teachings from Namo Amituofo:

The fundamental similarity between the Buddha and all sentient beings lies in the fact that both possess the same original, true nature. However, the distinction between them is profound. The Buddha has already fully realised this true nature and now engages in the compassionate work of saving all beings, guiding them to rediscover their own inherent nature. In contrast, the true nature of sentient beings remains obscured by layers of ignorance and karmic habits. Through diligent practice, we strive to clear these obscurations, hoping to awaken to our true nature and attain Buddhahood.

The Compassionate Legacy of Shakyamuni Buddha

We must express our deepest gratitude to Shakyamuni Buddha for teaching the world that every being possesses the Buddha-nature and therefore has the potential to become a Buddha. It is through his tireless teaching that we have come to know of Namo Amituofo and the existence of the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Without his guidance, we would remain lost in the cycle of rebirth, unaware of the path to liberation.

The manifestation of Shakyamuni Buddha in this world was a truly magnificent event. Such a manifestation requires the perfect alignment of Dharma affinity among all beings, and it is a great blessing for us all. This affinity encompasses every stage of his life, including:

• His birth and the karmic connection with his mother, Queen Maya.
• His upbringing and the connection with his father, King Suddhodana.
• His decision to leave the royal palace to pursue the path of asceticism.
• His eventual attainment of Buddhahood under the Bodhi tree.
• The offering of food by the shepherdess.
• The request from celestial beings for him to turn the wheel of the Dharma.
• His forty-nine years of travelling throughout India to teach and transform sentient beings.

The Flow of the True Teachings

All these events required a profound Dharma affinity to manifest. This magnificent affinity continued through his lectures and travels. After the Buddha entered Nirvana, five hundred great Arhats gathered to compile his teachings into the sutras that have been passed down to future generations. This ensured that the Buddha’s teachings would continue to operate for twelve thousand years, divided into three distinct periods:

• The first one thousand years, known as the era of the True Teachings.
• The second one thousand years, known as the era of the Semblance Teachings.
• The final ten thousand years, known as the era of the Dharma’s decline.

We are currently living in this era of the Dharma’s decline. Yet, this is also a period of special Dharma affinity between Shakyamuni Buddha and all sentient beings. Because Shakyamuni Buddha promoted the Pure Land path, people today can learn of the existence of Namo Amituofo and the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This provides all spirits with a final destination—a place where they can be saved and attain Buddhahood, rather than continuing to suffer in the six realms of rebirth. This is the greatest grace that Shakyamuni Buddha has bestowed upon us.

A Sanctuary for Rebirth

At this very moment, Namo Amituofo is truly residing at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Goombungee, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia. This is a fact, and we hope that all who see or hear of this will place their faith in it. The Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre serves as a vital transit station between the human world and the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Once you enter this sacred space, you have the opportunity to be reborn in the Western Pure Land.

As a practitioner, you must be fiercely diligent in your practice, seek the Dharma, and focus on purification. This is how you create the opportunity to realise your true nature and attain Buddhahood. Practitioner Su is able to travel freely to and from the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, and this serves as the finest demonstration of the efficacy of this path.

The Path of Single-Minded Devotion

For those who come to seek the Dharma, if you can arouse the Bodhi mind and single-mindedly recite Namo Amituofo, while making a sincere vow to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, you will receive the Buddha's blessing and have the opportunity to fulfil your wish. You can make this your very last lifetime in the cycle of rebirth. Furthermore, as a practitioner, you will receive the teachings and blessings of the Buddha, which will support your diligent practice and provide you with the chance to achieve purification and Awakening. We urge everyone to cherish this magnificent Dharma affinity while it is available to you.

Namo Amituofo