Words of , recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.
16 August 2025
Namo Amituofo teaches us that all beings are currently trapped within the cycle of rebirth, bound by the relentless laws of and cause and effect. In this state of existence, we are often like travellers wandering through a dense, impenetrable fog, unable to see the path ahead or the dangers that lie in our way.
The Peril of Wandering Without Guidance
If you are a practitioner, your greatest fortune is to receive the guidance of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, ancestral masters, and true spiritual friends. With their wisdom, you will not lose your direction. You will be able to move steadily toward your goal, see the light of truth, and eventually rediscover your original true self. However, if you attempt to walk this path alone, without such guidance, you are like one walking blindly into a perilous wilderness. You may enter into dangerous situations without even realising it, remaining in a state of profound ignorance. This leads to a life spent in confusion, and when the end comes, you may find that your life has passed without any true accomplishment.
It is much like dreaming within a dream. You do not know what will happen next, and you remain entirely under the control of your past karma, which will inevitably pull you into yet another cycle of rebirth. This is why the presence of a teacher is not merely helpful; it is essential for your spiritual survival.
The Path at Hsiang Kuang
As a practitioner, you must strive to see your true nature under the guidance of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, ancestral masters, and true spiritual friends. Furthermore, you should aspire to become a guide for other beings who are still lost in the fog, helping them to emerge from the mist and see the light of the . You may ask, how can one truly serve as such a guide?
To the students of Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre, the answer lies in your dedication to the teachings:
The Words of Namo Amituofo: Keep the Buddha’s words at the forefront of your mind.
The Teachings of Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju: Study these profound insights to deepen your understanding of the Pure Land path.
The Dharma Talks of Practitioner Su: Listen to these teachings and let them enter your heart, allowing them to transform your perspective.
When you hear these teachings and act upon them immediately, you will receive magnificent benefits. By following these instructions, you are not just reading words; you are aligning your life with the Truth.
The Practice of , Concentration, and Wisdom
You must practise according to the path of Precepts (Discipline), Concentration and Wisdom. This is the way to follow in the footsteps of those who have come before us. By adhering to these guidelines, you can effectively restrain your Body, Speech, and Mind, ensuring that you do not create further negative causes or commit new transgressions. This is the foundation of a stable and successful practice.
The Mirror of the Fourfold Assembly
Within the fourfold assembly (monks, nuns, laymen, laywomen), you will encounter many different manifestations of karma. When you observe the actions of others, a wise person uses these observations as a guide for their own practice:
When you see goodness and purity: Offer praise and learn from these examples to improve your own conduct.
When you see evil and impurity: Use these instances as a mirror to reflect upon yourself. Be cautious and ensure that you do not repeat the same mistakes, lest you create negative karma that harms your and wisdom.
The path of practice at Hsiang Kuang offers multiple layers of guidance designed to help the fourfold assembly (monks, nuns, laymen, laywomen) achieve success rapidly. Ultimately, the results of your practice depend on whether you can understand these teachings, accept them into your heart, and truly change your ways. May you all be diligent and find your way home.
