The Buddha's Heart and the Ultimate Vow

Words of Namo Amituofo, recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

The Preciousness of Human Life

This human life is unique and incredibly precious. You must use it wisely and never let it slip away in idleness. Throughout history, the great achievements of our patriarchs and venerable masters have stemmed from their refusal to waste even a single second. Why is this so? Because the human body is a rare and difficult attainment. Since you have obtained it now, it is the result of your past karmic conditions and the causes and effects.

Planting Seeds of Goodness

You must be extremely cautious about the actions you take. Ensure that you are planting good causes, for you certainly do not want to reap the bitter harvest of evil consequences. Do not let any moment pass in vain. If you can ensure that every thought is focused on Namo Amituofo, and if you truly understand the suffering of all beings and vow to help them leave suffering behind, you will find yourself in sync with the Buddha-heart and the Buddha-vow.

The Boundless Compassion of Namo Amituofo

Namo Amituofo’s Forty-eight Great Vows were established for one purpose: to resolve the suffering of all beings. The Buddha wishes for every being to leave suffering behind. This compassion is not limited to the beings of this Saha world; it extends to countless beings in other realms. Across the vast, immeasurable reaches of the universe—from the grandest galaxies to the smallest particles of dust—there are infinite beings in the void, and all of them are within the scope of Namo Amituofo’s vow to save. If you can understand this and share in this same vow, you will be in sync with Namo Amituofo at this very moment.

Breaking Free from Samsara

Do not allow yourself to remain trapped in the cycle of being reincarnated. Call out to Namo Amituofo with a sincere heart. When you do, the Buddha’s compassionate heart and his Ultimate Vow will manifest, guiding you to leave the cycle of rebirth and attain rebirth in the Western Pure Land. You must learn to overcome the state of being drowsy and enter into a higher space of awareness. This is the only way to save yourself and, subsequently, to save others. Saving yourself must always be your first priority.

The Three Pillars of Practice

Do not be trapped by attachment to your physical body. If you remain fixated on this temporary shell, you will achieve nothing, and this life will pass by in vain. Instead, you must follow these three essential tasks and keep them firmly in your heart:

• Follow the Buddha-heart: Align your intentions with the pure, compassionate heart of Namo Amituofo.Follow the Buddha-vow: Dedicate your life to the fulfilment of the Forty-eight Great Vows.Walk the path of Fragrant Light: Act in accordance with the teachings of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, ensuring your conduct is pure and luminous.

Namo Amituofo.