The Essence of the Awakened One
Words of Namo Amituofo
Recorded by Venerable Fa Hui on 23 May 2025
Words of Namo Amituofo, recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable Fa Hui
23 May 2025, First Session
Words of Namo Amituofo:
The Meaning of the Awakened One
An Awakened One, as commonly understood by the masses, is one who has achieved self-, who awakens others, and whose practice of awakening is perfectly complete. This is the definition of one whose practice of awakening is perfected and who has reached the fullness of awakening. This is the literal interpretation of the term. However, for the actual practitioner, it signifies the perfection of the path of saving oneself and saving others, where one is completely unobstructed in both the phenomenal world and the underlying principles of reality.
The Path of Self-Awakening
A self-awakened being is one who, through continuous practice and realisation, enters into the truth. Through a process of constant purification, and then more purification, one is able to maintain self-discipline and awareness, reflect and awaken, and finally enter into a state of unobstructed understanding. As a practitioner undergoes this purification and adjustment, their habits are gradually diluted until they are entirely eradicated. When one is clear and luminous regarding all conditions, without even a trace of confusion, one is truly a self-awakened being.
The of Awakening Others
In the midst of compassion and following conditions as they arise, one uses this wisdom and awareness to assist other beings in resolving their suffering, leaving suffering behind and gaining happiness, and ultimately guiding them toward their own awakening. This is what is meant by awakening others. When the practice of self-awakening and awakening others is brought to its ultimate perfection, one is known as an Awakened One, or one who has become a Buddha.
The Stages of Realisation
Those who have realised their true nature are also known as Bodhisattvas. They have personally witnessed their true self and original nature, yet their journey is not yet complete. From the perspective of the Land of Real Reward, a Bodhisattva at the initial stage and above can be called a Buddha, but this is not yet the state of perfect, supreme Buddhahood. As one breaks through each layer of confusion and realises a portion of the Body, one ascends through the forty-one stages of the , eventually reaching the stage of Equal . Beyond this, one ascends to the Land of Eternally Quiescent Light, the realm of the Tathagata. Only then is one considered a perfectly complete Buddha.
Transcending the Raft of Concepts
All the names and categories mentioned here are merely convenient tools for learning and understanding the general landscape of the path. Once you have understood these concepts, you must learn to let go of the labels themselves to truly realise your true nature. Think of these names and concepts as a boat or a raft used to cross a river. You must rely on the raft to make the crossing, but once you have reached the shore, you must abandon the raft to step onto the land. If you refuse to let go of the raft, you will remain drifting on the river, unable to land. You will never be able to enter the state of perfect Buddhahood if you remain attached to the tools of the journey. Awakening is the ultimate goal of your practice. An Awakened One is one who has realised their true nature, attained Buddhahood, and perfected the path of awakening. Namo Amituofo.
More by Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
The Final Curtain Call of Chu Ke-liang
A candid reflection from the late Taiwanese entertainer Chu Ke-liang on his life, his career, the karmic weight of his influence, and his ultimate deliverance to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.
The Soul's True Equality: A Conversation with Mahatma Gandhi
This is a record of an interview with Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life and his journey to the Pure Land.
A Reflection from the Western Pure Land
This is a record of an interview with Zhao Puchu, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life in the 20th century. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa Hui, on April 18, 2026.
The Truth Behind My Rebirth: A Message from Liu Suqing
Liu Suqing, the elder sister of the renowned practitioner Liu Suyun, shares her harrowing journey through the spirit realms and her ultimate deliverance to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss through the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre.
The Burden of a Historical Name
This is a record of an interview with Lin Biao, who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life approximately 54 years ago. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa, on May 18, 2026.
The Poet’s Journey to the Western Pure Land
A reflection on the life, tragedy, and ultimate spiritual liberation of the ancient statesman Qu Yuan, who found peace through the teachings of Practitioner Su.
About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library