Words of , recorded by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe.
January 22, 2022.
Words of Namo Amituofo:
Where does the Heart of Namo Amituofo come from? To understand this, we must look back to the distant past, to the time of Lokesvararaja Buddha, the great teacher who appeared in the world to guide all beings toward the truth.
The Origin of the Compassionate Heart
Long ago, there was a king known as the King of the World. He possessed great wisdom and , yet he saw that the beings of this world were trapped in a cycle of endless suffering. He witnessed their pain, their inability to escape their own karmic burdens, and the hopelessness that clouded their lives. Seeing that no one could truly save them from this cycle, he made a profound decision. He chose to abandon the comforts of his royal life, his status, and his worldly power. He renounced his throne to become a monk, known as .
Dharmakara Bhikshu walked the path of the ascetic, dedicating his life to the salvation of all suffering beings. He sought the guidance of Lokesvararaja Buddha, who revealed to him the nature of all Buddha-lands. Inspired by this vision, Dharmakara Bhikshu spent five kalpas in deep contemplation and practice, formulating the Forty-eight Great Vows. These vows were not for his own benefit, but to create a sanctuary where all beings could be free from the cycle of rebirth.
The Vows that Created the
Through the power of these vows, the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss was established. For ten kalpas, Namo Amituofo has been working tirelessly to save countless beings, guiding them toward this land of peace and light. Today, this compassionate presence is manifest here in the human world. Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre serves as a beacon, a place where the Western Pure Land is brought into our midst, welcoming all beings who are connected by karmic affinity to find their way home.
In this space, there is no discrimination. The heart of Namo Amituofo is a heart of perfect equality, where every being is treated with the same boundless love. Whether you are high or low in the eyes of the world, your heart can find peace here. Every sentient being possesses the Buddha nature within, yet because they have been lost for so long without proper guidance, they have drifted into the vast ocean of and reincarnation.
Embodying the Heart of Namo Amituofo
What is the Heart of Namo Amituofo? It is the compassion that arises naturally when we witness the suffering of others. It is the vow to help all beings leave suffering behind and find true happiness. When you truly embody this heart, you no longer see yourself as separate from others. You realise that you are one among many. If you are saved, then all beings are saved; if all beings are saved, then you are saved.
Your every thought and mental note will be focused solely on the welfare of others. You will have let go of all selfish desires and private thoughts. If someone treats you with anger or hostility, you will not respond with your own anger. Instead, you will look upon their actions with a heart of compassion. You will understand that they are struggling, that they are unable to control their own actions because they have not yet received the proper teachings. You will remain as steady as a mountain, unperturbed by their interference, and you will continue to treat them with respect and kindness. This is how the Heart of Namo Amituofo manifests in your daily life.
A Call to Diligent Practice
Namo Amituofo wishes for all those with karmic affinity to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Today, Namo Amituofo is present in this world to help resolve the suffering of beings, to settle karmic grievances, and to save the world from its many disasters. You must hold fast to your Faith, Vows, and Practice. Be active and persistent in your diligent practice so that you may see your true nature.
The Heart of Namo Amituofo is present in this world right now. Follow the Buddha, save all beings, and guide them toward rebirth in the Western Pure Land.
