The Essence of Spiritual Skill: A Dialogue with Namo Amituofo

A Sanctuary for the Liberation of All Beings

During the morning walking meditation, Practitioner Su shared a profound insight: in this vast universe, our Centre is a unique sanctuary. It is a place where we can truly lead suffering beings to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Namo Amituofo is residing here, and as our reach expands through the internet, many people are waiting in line, seeking healing for their physical and spiritual ailments. I, Venerable HaiZe, humbly ask the Buddha for His compassionate guidance on how we should proceed in accordance with the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way.

The Manifestation of Inner Cultivation

Namo Amituofo provides this compassionate teaching: What is the true meaning of spiritual skill, or Kung Fu, for a practitioner? It is not merely a display of talent, but the manifestation of one's inner cultivation. True Kung Fu is defined by the following qualities:

• Precepts (Discipline), Concentration and Wisdom: These are the foundation of all spiritual progress.
• Unmoved: Maintaining a state of inner stillness, like a mountain that does not shake in the wind.
• With surgical precision: The ability to identify the root cause of suffering with absolute clarity and accuracy.
• Dignified deportment: Carrying oneself with the grace and solemnity befitting a practitioner.
• Skillful application of the Dharma: The ability to apply the Dharma in ways that are perfectly suited to the needs of each individual.
• Gentle and sincere: A heart that is soft, honest, and direct in its approach to others.
• Bearing the suffering of beings: A compassionate heart that is willing to bear the burdens of others to help them find liberation.
• Acting while remaining still: The ability to engage with the world while keeping the inner mind in a state of profound, undisturbed peace.
• Outwardly active yet inwardly unmoved: Maintaining a calm centre regardless of external circumstances.
• Direct speech without error: Speaking the truth with clarity, ensuring that one's words are always helpful and never misleading.
• Immediate recognition of suffering: The capacity to perceive the pain and karmic obstacles of others the moment one encounters them.
• Faith upon return: The ability to return to the path of the Buddha with unwavering trust after any experience.

These various forms of Kung Fu are waiting to be developed by all students of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. Each of you possesses these seeds within you; none are without them. However, you must seek the Dharma with a heart of deep respect and humility.

Awakening the Compassionate Heart

Many beings come to this Centre because of the karmic affinity they share with Practitioner Su. Yet, the heart to save and rescue these beings is often insufficient. Some lack the necessary resolve, which is truly a great pity. The work of the Centre is not limited to the kitchen or administrative tasks; it is a spiritual mission. Every student at Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre has their own unique strengths and karmic connections. You must not rely on only a few individuals to carry the burden. At this moment, those who can write down the teachings or provide the correct diagnosis for a visitor are few. We are still waiting for the full journey to begin. Practitioner Su observes and acts accordingly, and you must follow this lead.

Walking the Path with One Heart

Looking at the current situation, the primary issue is a lack of sufficient faith in the Buddha. Therefore, strengthening your faith is the most urgent priority. Furthermore, what we call dignified deportment must arise naturally from within; it should be an outward expression of your daily thoughts and actions. As our reach grows online, the feedback will follow, and the time for Practitioner Su to return to Taiwan is approaching. Since the dates for the two return trips overlap, we must have a clear strategy. All students must be of one heart and one mind. Do not allow private thoughts or personal agendas to interfere. The leader will adjust according to the circumstances and act according to the needs of the beings.

Embracing the Suffering of the World

Visitors come to us with many different backgrounds, and you must not treat them all the same way. You must understand their unique struggles: business people often suffer from the heavy burdens of the body and the stress of the material world; monks may suffer from the deep, hidden burdens of the heart and mind; entertainers often endure suffering that affects both their physical bodies and their mental states; and academics may be hindered by the arrogance of their own intellect. Each of these individuals has a different nature. You must have the capacity to be inclusive and tolerant, for only then can you help them resolve their suffering.

Practitioner Su protects from the front, while the students follow behind, each learning from the process. When faced with various problems, your responses must be consistent and unified. Those who come with faith will naturally have the affinity to enter. We will lead them to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss and help them resolve their karmic grievances. The Thrice Yearning Ceremony is essential, and when the time comes to speak, you must do so with clarity. There is no limit to the number of people who can participate. Only those with the right karmic conditions will be able to enter; those without such conditions will find it difficult to progress. All who are able to enter this Buddha-land are protected by the presence of Skanda Bodhisattva. Through years of diligent practice, you have reached this point. Now, you must use your talents. I, Namo Amituofo, am always by your side. Practitioner Su, you may walk forward with confidence.