The Cycle of Coming and Going

Words of Namo Amituofo, recorded by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe.

On the fifth of May, 2023, Namo Amituofo offered these profound teachings regarding the nature of our existence.

The Eternal Dance of Coming and Going

We speak of "coming" as birth. In the very instant that a spirit enters a womb, the long journey through the cycle of life and death begins. We speak of "going" as death. When the spirit departs from the physical body, the lifespan of that form ceases, yet this is not an end. It is merely the beginning of another phase in the journey of the spirit.

How do you spend your time between these two points of coming and going? You must not let this precious human body pass by in vain. You have arrived here from the six realms of existence, but where will you go next? Although the body dies, the spirit never dies. If you can direct your spirit toward the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, you are making the best possible use of this human life.

Cherishing the Rare Human Form

You must engage in True Cultivation, using this temporary form to realise your true self. By doing so, you can rediscover your original nature and vow to save all beings. Do not let this life pass without practising the Pure Land path, especially now that you have encountered the teachings of Namo Amituofo and the guidance of Practitioner Su.

You have come and gone countless times, floating and sinking within the cycle of rebirth. Now, you have finally surfaced from the vast ocean of karma. Namo Amituofo stands right before your eyes. You must seize this moment to ensure your rebirth in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Drifting Through the Vast Ocean of Karma

If you are truly practising while in this human body, you must remain steadfast. Regardless of the obstacles or difficult situations you encounter, do not waver in your vow to see your true nature and be reborn in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This is how you shed your old self and achieve the path to Buddhahood.

Throughout countless lifetimes, you have come and gone in many forms:

• You have been the smallest creatures, such as insects, ants, and mosquitoes.You have been earthly creatures, including animals, insects, and birds.You have experienced states of being a demon or a Buddha.You have existed as celestial beings or as one of the Four Sages.

There are countless destinations for the spirit, and it is your heart that governs where you will go.

Returning Home to the Pure Land

To learn the Buddha's path is to regulate the heart. You must believe that you are a Buddha, and you must have faith in Namo Amituofo. To understand these facts and the truth of reality is to gain true insight. Those who can take charge of their own destiny will allow their heart to guide their physical actions. Through this, you will see your true nature and realise the fruit of Buddhahood. At that point, the situations of all your past lives—the coming and going you have experienced—will become clear at a glance.

Every person possesses different thoughts, and therefore, each person travels to different destinations. However, it is my hope that all beings can return to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, complete the Buddha's path, and attain ultimate liberation.

Namo Amituofo