The Completion of the 2018 Qingming Ancestor Memorial Dharma Assembly

The Sacred Legacy of Our Ancestors

During the Qingming festival, we gather to honour our ancestors. This is a sacred time to pass on the torch of their wisdom and legacy. Yet, how many truly understand the significance of this act? Do we know where our ancestors have gone, or what their current state may be? Today, let us clarify this truth: in the ultimate sense, there is no birth and no death. You must realise this, and let your heart be truly sincere in your practice.

Regardless of which realm they may inhabit, we invite them to join our memorial. Through the power of Chao Du, we help them find rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. We also extend this compassion to all lonely, wandering spirits who have no one to offer them support.

The Web of Causal Conditions

Our connections with others are often forged through the entanglements of past lives. These relationships, whether they manifest as karmic creditors or as those with whom we share a virtuous affinity, are all governed by the laws of cause and effect. The Causal Conditions are subtle and profound, giving rise to both joy and suffering. As we navigate these karmic dusts and emotional attachments, we must remain mindful of our true nature.

During these five days of the Dharma assembly, the attending public has been able to witness the power of the Buddha’s voice and the strength of the Buddha’s light. Within your own body and mind, you carry many spirits. Through this practice, you can help them find clarity, whether it is to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss or to be assisted in leaving the physical body behind.

The Vital Path of Purification

This is a magnificent and supreme achievement. Within the ocean of the Buddha’s Ultimate Vows, we often find ourselves lost in the illusions of the world, which are, in reality, nothing more than our own attachments. The karmic seeds we have accumulated over countless lifetimes can be transformed, but only through genuine, diligent practice. Have you truly begun this work? Only when you understand the true path can you grasp its meaning. It is like finding pure gold; the merit is supreme and beyond measure.

Without the freedom of a clear mind, one cannot truly understand. It is only through the unfolding of this Dharma assembly that you can feel the joy and ease of body and mind. It is through the illumination of the Buddha’s light that you come to understand the true meaning of practice: purification is of the utmost importance.

• Purify your heart and your thoughts.Keep your mind calm and your spirit tranquil.In this world, value harmony above all else.In your practice, seek only the path to the West.

A Call to Continued Practice

This is the supreme Dharma essential. I hope you will pass this on and continue the practice. For the Dharma assembly in the seventh month, all should attend. Spread the word widely, for the wonderful meaning of Namo Amituofo is profound. This current assembly is truly magnificent, as it saves both ancestors and the living.

I hope you will be sincere in your efforts to continue the work of Chao Du. There are countless souls who still need to hear the teachings. By listening to the essential truths of the scriptures, you will truly be on the right path. Continue to build a heart that is aligned with the Pure Land. This is the highest form of goodness. Do not let your heart falter; you must continue to carry this responsibility forward.

Namo Amituofo is always with you, waiting for you to return home. Do not remain lost in confusion; you can achieve success in this very lifetime. If you complete your path in this life, you will no longer be a wandering soul. I hope you will follow this faith, as I have taught you today. Let go of your attachments and keep your heart pure and still. Free from the dust of the world, you will become a guardian of the world’s salvation. Namo Amituofo. This is proclaimed today to protect the truth and save the world. Recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Shi Faxi.