The Call of the Spirit

The Eternal Journey of the Spirit

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

What is the call of the spirit? The spirit does not require food, clothing, sleep, or transportation. These are merely the needs of the physical body. When one possesses a body, one must provide for its material sustenance and maintenance. However, the spirit has no need for material things; rather, it requires spiritual elevation.

It is the spirit that accompanies you throughout your eternal journey, not the physical body. This body is only used for this lifetime, during which you have the rare opportunity to possess a human body. It is through Causal Conditions that this body comes into existence, and when those conditions are exhausted, the body ceases to be. This is what we call the end of life.

The Uniqueness of Each Soul

There will never be another body exactly like yours that appears in this world. Even in the case of twins, where the same cellular division creates two identical physical forms, the development of their spirits is entirely different. This is because the spirit that enters each body is unique. Consequently, their spiritual development, as well as the Causal Conditions of their birth, aging, sickness, death, are also distinct.

Therefore, you must make good use of your body in this lifetime. You must also make good use of the Causal Conditions present in this life, as well as the environment of purification that the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre provides for the fourfold assembly (monks, nuns, laymen, laywomen).

The Path of Respect and Guidance

The teachers and Practitioner Su are here to help the fourfold assembly (monks, nuns, laymen, laywomen) achieve success in their practice. As members of the fourfold assembly (monks, nuns, laymen, laywomen), you should always maintain a heart of reverence and respect. When you seek guidance, use the word 'please'—as in, 'I respectfully invite the teachings of the teachers and Practitioner Su.' This humble approach helps you to:

• Clearly recognise the truth of reality.Strictly observe the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way.Purify your spirit.Continuously elevate your spiritual nature.

The Return to the Original Face

Purification and the elevation of the spirit must go hand in hand. This process is endless, continuing until your spirit is perfectly pure and good, with your heart free from even the slightest trace of attachment or filth. At this stage, regardless of your age, gender, role, or the circumstances you encounter in the world, you have reached the moment of becoming an awakened being.

Becoming an awakened being is the result of constant purification and elevation, again and again. It is the process of returning to your original face—the face you had before your parents gave birth to you. This is the true call of the spirit. Namo Amituofo.