The Buddha's Teachings on Making the Great Vow
Teachings from Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su
Recorded by Venerable Hai Ze
The Vision of Infinite
During the morning walking meditation today, Practitioner Su beheld the magnificent and towering form of Namo Amituofo. He was actively leading an infinite and boundless number of suffering beings toward rebirth in the of Ultimate Bliss. This vision serves as a profound reminder for all of us: we must make a Great Vow. This vow must be entirely free from even the slightest trace of contamination or impurity. Only such a vow can be considered a true vow. When your vow is pure, you possess the power to transform the fifty trillion cells of your body, rendering them clear, transparent, and fully prepared to save all beings.
The Foundation of the Forty-eight Vows
Namo Amituofo offers these teachings on the nature of the Great Vow:
- The Great Vows of Namo Amituofo are designed to save all beings, and the Forty-eight Great Vows contain immeasurable wisdom.
- In the distant past, made these vows, dedicating five kalpas of sincere, focused cultivation to bring them to fruition.
- It is through this immense dedication that the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss was manifested for us.
The purpose of this manifestation is singular: to help all beings leave the suffering of the cycle of rebirth behind, to allow all to attain true happiness, and to together attain the -nature body of Namo Amituofo.
The Challenge of a Pure Heart
Why is it so difficult for our true heart to manifest? It is because we are often clouded by various impurities. If our primary focus is not firmly set on the welfare of others, our internal state remains unstable. However, if we can align our inner state with the external reality of the Pure Land, we gain the ability to transform our own and the collective karma of all beings. The entire Dharma realm of emptiness is contained within your own heart. When you see clearly, you realise that everything is a manifestation of the Dharma-nature. While the original nature is constant, the phenomena we experience in this world are merely fleeting illusions. We must learn to perform the work of the Buddha even within these illusions to achieve our original Dharma-nature body.
The Urgency of Constant
You must be vigilant against the constant interference of attachments, delusions, and discriminations. These distractions are always heard at the edge of your awareness. When a situation arises, you must be immediately aware and not let the moment pass in vain. Every second spent in distraction is a second lost to the cycle of rebirth. Do not let your focus scatter, for as soon as you lose your mindfulness, ignorance and contamination will arise. This is not the path you should be following. You have heard the teachings at the feet of Practitioner Su and have listened to the sutras for many years. If you can apply even a small portion of what you have learned, you will benefit countless beings. Why do you continue to advance and retreat in your practice? Do not let your days pass in regret.
The Universal Reach of the Six-Character Name
The Dharma realm of emptiness is filled with signals as swift as electricity, permeating every layer of space. Within this, the cycle of birth, aging, sickness, and death continues unabated. If you cannot clarify these signals, you will only find yourself trapped in the cycle of rebirth once more. You must learn the method of chanting Namo Amituofo to transcend this cycle. Your spirit is eternal, and while you have this body, you must use it well. Do not waste your time on superficial adornments. When you are healthy, use your body to perform acts of compassion; this is how you draw closest to the heart of Namo Amituofo. The Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre leads not only beings; both sentient and non-sentient beings share the same karmic affinity. Even beings from outer space are on the list seeking to be saved. The inconceivable six-character name, Namo Amituofo, can send beings to the Western Land. Practising while in this world is even more magnificent, surpassing -liberation of the Four Sages. If you awaken and share the same vow as the Buddha, natural light will shine from your body. Each person with karmic affinity will attain this body. Strive earnestly and forget your own body. Sickness and suffering are natural phenomena; it is difficult to have autonomy amidst the suffering of beings. This is also the natural rule of the Dharma realm. These various natural phenomena are not easily understood without experiencing many things. Now, teaching the confused masses, I hope you will grasp this magnificent opportunity. The Dharma affinity with Namo Amituofo appears at this time, and the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre will welcome you.
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About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library