The Eternal Call to Diligent Practice

The Unceasing Journey of the Spirit

What is the true meaning of diligent practice? It is not merely the act of working hard; it is the constant, unwavering progress of one's spiritual life. This practice has no end, much like the life of the spirit itself, which exists beyond the beginningless past and the endless future. We must understand that our true self travels through the cycle of rebirth alone. We have wandered for countless lifetimes, lost in the vastness of the universe, asking ourselves: where is our true home? Where can we finally rest?

Awakening to the Stillness of the True Self

The answer to this eternal question is found only when one manages to see their true nature. Once you reach this state of awakening, you will realise a profound truth: your true self has never truly come or gone. The present moment is the only place where you can truly stop your wandering. When you cease to enter into the illusions of the world, your heart becomes still. You will clearly see that all comings and goings are merely illusions. If you can perceive this ultimate reality, even while you continue to live within the world of form, you will no longer be deceived by its illusions.

Returning to the Source of Eternal Light

Your precious spirit, once awakened, will merge into the vastness of the Dharma. This is what it means to enter into the One Body. By finding your true home, you can return to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss and enter directly into the Land of Eternal Tranquil Light. From there, wherever there are suffering beings waiting for your help, you will be able to go and offer them salvation. This is the ultimate goal of our practice.

The Urgent Call of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva

Samantabhadra Bodhisattva once offered a verse to warn all beings of the urgency of our situation: "The day has already passed, and our life force diminishes with every breath. Like a fish in a pool of water that is rapidly drying up, what joy can there be in such a precarious existence? Therefore, all of you must practise with the utmost diligence, as if your own hair were on fire. Always remain mindful of impermanence, and never allow yourselves to become lax or indulgent."

These are the true words of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva. They represent the Universal Principles, Truth, and the Right Path. Regardless of the time or the space in which you find yourself, these words remain eternally valid. As long as the law of impermanence exists, our lives remain in danger, hanging by a single thread. If your breath stops and you have not yet achieved awakening, everything you possess in this world will be left behind. You will depart as you arrived—empty-handed and alone.

A Precious Encounter at Hsiang Kuang

How rare it is to encounter the Buddha in this world! How difficult it is to hear the true words of the Buddha! Yet, here at Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, you have the rare fortune to encounter Namo Amituofo and to hear the Buddha's teachings directly. Do not let this opportunity pass by lightly. You must focus your heart and exert all your strength in your practice. If you fear that your diligence is not enough, you must be even more courageous. You must strive to find your true self. Namo Amituofo.