The Dharma Propagation Journey of Master Xuanzang

July 30, 2019. Throughout this recent journey of spreading the Dharma, our footsteps have taken us through Hong Kong, Taipei, and Yilan. In these places, we have witnessed the diverse customs and the unique human sentiments of the people. While the motivations of those who seek the Dharma may vary—some seeking physical health and career success, others hoping to resolve karmic conflicts or to help their family members and karmic creditors find rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss—Namo Amituofo grants every sincere wish.

The Threads of Karmic Connection

Whether one seeks the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way, or simply wishes for peace, these connections are not accidental. Although the origins of these karmic affinities differ, everyone who encountered us during this journey shares a deep connection with Namo Amituofo, Practitioner Su, and the students of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. This journey has served as the catalyst that opened the door to their Dharma affinity.

These connections were sown in past lives, and now, as the conditions have matured, the fruits of hearing the Dharma and receiving salvation have manifested. All those who participated in listening to the sutras and attending the Thrice Yearning Ceremony have received the benefits of the Dharma. In particular, the local spirits, the deities of the land, and the spirits of the harvest in Yilan and across Taiwan all respectfully welcomed the presence of Namo Amituofo and the teachings provided by Practitioner Su. Through this, immeasurable and boundless spirits have been saved and reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This is a Dharma affinity that is truly difficult to encounter in millions of years.

The Path of True Cultivation

While the arising and ceasing of these connections are but illusions within this world, you have been fortunate enough to hear the Truth of the Pure Land path within this illusory existence. You have learned the great Dharma of the body that does not fall ill and the spirit that never dies. By using this false body to cultivate the True Nature, you can receive the benefit of Chao Du and fulfil your wish to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Although the process of removing impurities and reaching Awakening cannot be achieved in a single day, you have taken the first step, and from here, you can continue to nourish your wisdom-life.

The Eight Pillars of Dharma Propagation

As the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre continues its mission to spread the Dharma, all students must return to the temple with a renewed sense of purpose. You must practise diligently, engaging in purification and then more purification, for this is the essential process for every student of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. When you face yourself and the public, you must truly manifest the power of your practice. You must take the propagation of the Pure Land teachings as your own responsibility, working hard without ever becoming lax or arrogant. As this journey of spreading the Dharma begins, do not worry about a lack of Dharma protectors; worry only about the difficulty of finding those who are truly practising and have realised their true nature.

To successfully spread the Pure Land teachings and save sentient beings, one must possess the following qualities:

• A heart of service: One must possess a sincere and enthusiastic heart to serve all beings.
• Compassion and Wisdom: One must have a mind filled with compassion and wisdom. Your teachings and your conduct must have the power to transform others, allowing those you teach to be naturally influenced and purified by your presence.
• Ability to lecture on the Dharma: You must have a correct understanding and the ability to explain the Buddha’s teachings, the Pure Land path, and the practice of cultivation. You must be able to answer the questions of the faithful, resolve their doubts, and help them understand the laws of karma and cause and effect. This helps them discover their own problems, change their personality traits, increase their faith in Namo Amituofo and the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, and ultimately leave suffering behind to find happiness.
• Skill in observing capacity: You must be able to observe the spiritual roots of those who seek the Dharma, understand their needs, and guide their thoughts to fulfil their vows.
• Blessings and Wisdom: You must possess the power of blessings and wisdom to subdue demonic enemies and the ability to resolve the conflicts between beings and their karmic creditors, thereby encouraging them to seek rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
• Leading the Thrice Yearning Ceremony: You must have the ability to lead the Thrice Yearning Ceremony and guide the spiritual deliverance of beings to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. At the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, these ceremonies are led by Namo Amituofo, with Practitioner Su guiding the assembly. This is a rare opportunity, and all should participate actively for the benefit of both the living and the deceased.
• Faith, Vows, and Practice: You must possess the three essential provisions of Faith, Vows, and Practice. You must be of one heart and one vow with the Buddha, putting these into practice in your daily life and leading others forward.
• Resilience: You must be able to withstand the injuries caused by slander, jealousy, dissatisfaction, and the angry words of others.

A Shared Mission for the Pure Land

In today’s society, those who are truly practising and have realised their true nature are rare. If you can follow a teacher like Practitioner Su, who has realised his true nature, you will surely gain great benefits. In the future, you who are now students will also become such teachers. As for the lay practitioners and volunteers, you are an integral part of this mission. You must fulfil your duty as Dharma protectors, helping those who spread the Dharma to focus without worry. As this path of spreading the Dharma unfolds, both the propagators and the protectors must work together to ensure the transmission of the Pure Land teachings.

Sentient beings are endless, and the work of spreading the Dharma never ceases. May our vows be boundless, and may we manifest the power of the Ultimate Vow of Namo Amituofo so that the Pure Land teachings may endure forever.

Recorded by the Buddha’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

Namo Amituofo