The Buddha’s Presence in the World

The Rarity of Awakening in a Troubled Age

Walking the Buddha's path within this world is a profound and challenging undertaking. In this current age of the Dharma's decline, the obstacles to spiritual progress are immense. Human beings are deeply entrenched in ego-attachment and narrow-minded views, making it exceptionally difficult to encounter those who have truly realised their true nature. This is because the state of awakening is not easily attained.

We live in a world that acts as a great dye vat of worldly defilements. To overcome the myriad tests and trials of this environment, one must possess a steadfast heart. Only through continuous purification—layer upon layer of cleansing the mind—can one truly realise their true nature. Once this state is achieved, one can walk through this world without being stained by its impurities. To be able to walk in the world, remain untainted, and actively purify the hearts of others is a tremendous blessing for all beings.

The Path of Compassionate Action

The mission of the practitioner is multifaceted, beginning with the sharing of the Buddha's teachings. Through regular lectures, we can help beings resolve their deep-seated suffering and confusion. Following this, our primary duty is to save beings and help them leave suffering behind. This mission of salvation is not limited to the living; it encompasses our ancestors, our teachers from countless lifetimes, and our karmic creditors. Because this work involves such a vast array of beings, the practices of inviting spirits, resolving conflicts, and performing Chao Du become essential components of our daily practice.

Resolving the Collective Karma of the World

We must also focus on the practice of Goodness, ensuring that these virtuous methods are spread widely throughout the world. The most supreme method of all is the widespread propagation of the six-character name, Namo Amituofo, throughout the world, the Dharma Realm, and the vastness of empty space. When we speak of the plagues and disasters that afflict humanity, we must recognise them as the result of Collective Karma—the shared consequences of our past actions. Through the power of the Buddha’s majesty and the merit of our practice, we can work to resolve these conflicts and perform Chao Du for those suffering within these disasters.

The Eternal Transmission of the Dharma

Finally, we must take the Buddha's teachings and the process of achieving success in this life—along with the skills we have cultivated—and pass them on to future generations. By educating others and transmitting these sacred methods, we ensure that the path to becoming a Buddha remains open. This allows the Buddha’s teachings and the Pure Land teachings to flourish eternally in this world and throughout the Dharma Realm. This transmission is the very foundation upon which we save the world, rescue beings, and assist them in their journey toward rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Namo Amituofo