The Extraordinary Wisdom of Dharmakara Bhikshu

Teachings from Namo Amituofo, recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

January 10, 2026

Namo Amituofo’s discourse:

In the fourth chapter of The Infinite Sutra (The Buddha Speaks the Mahayana, Infinite Life, Adornment, Purity, Impartiality, and Enlightenment Sutra), we learn of the era when Lokesvararaja Buddha was delivering lectures for forty-two kalpas. During this time, there was a great king known as the King of Worldly Abundance. Upon hearing the Dharma, he felt immense joy and achieved a profound understanding of the Truth.

Moved by this realization, he made the vow to become a Buddha. He renounced his kingdom, gave up his throne, and became a monk. He was known as Dharmakara Bhikshu. This is the Dharma name of Namo Amituofo when he was on the path of the Bodhisattvas before achieving Buddhahood.

The Extraordinary Qualities of Dharmakara Bhikshu

When he was Dharmakara Bhikshu, he was described as having high talent, courage, and wisdom, being superior to all in the world. His faith, understanding, and memory were all supreme. He possessed magnificent vows and the power of wisdom. This means his talent was brilliant, his spirit was fiercely diligent, and he possessed a unique philosophical capacity and insight that surpassed the views of ordinary people and even many practitioners.

This state of being is what allows those who practise pure purification to clearly see the reality of facts. They are not deceived by the illusory appearances of external environments. Because of this, they are able to offer unique insights and perspectives that are far beyond those who are stained by the Five Desires and the Six Dusts of this world.

Discerning the Path of Truth

These insights never depart from the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. This is what we call the True Teachings and pure Dharma. By following this path, one sows the seeds of Goodness and reaps the fruits of happiness. Furthermore, it is a path that transcends the cycle of rebirth, allowing one to end the cycle of life and death.

Conversely, if one departs from the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way, one enters the path of false teachings and impure Dharma. This leads to the sowing of evil seeds and the suffering of evil consequences. Not only does this prevent one from ending the cycle of life and death, but it also creates the causes for the hells, leading to the experience of those dark realms.

The Vows of the Fourfold Assembly

The vows and practices of the fourfold assembly of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre are one with Namo Amituofo. By following Namo Amituofo, you will surely receive his blessing and support. We must strive to emulate these qualities, ensuring our hearts remain pure and our actions remain aligned with the Dharma.

Namo Amituofo