Teachings from , recorded by Venerable Fa Hui on November 21, 2025.
The Radiance of the Awakened
Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are those who have undergone rigorous and diligent practice. Through this persistent effort, they have successfully removed all defilements and attained a state of absolute purity. By doing so, the inherent goodness and purity within their true self are fully revealed, allowing the infinite light of their original nature to shine forth without obstruction. When one reaches this state, their body, mind, and spirit enter a realm of perfect purity and goodness. This is the moment of true , where one realises their true nature and attains Buddhahood.
The Vastness of the Realm
Throughout the entire Dharma Realm, there exist immeasurable and boundless Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and their respective Buddha-lands. Our own worldly realm, the Saha world, is the domain currently being taught and transformed by Shakyamuni Buddha. It is known as a land where ordinary people and sages dwell together, serving as a place for beings to learn and grow. In contrast, the of Ultimate Bliss is one of the countless Buddha-lands within the vastness of the Dharma Realm. It is a world of infinite, boundless light. This is the Buddha-land constructed by Namo Amituofo, a sanctuary specifically designed for sages and Bodhisattvas. All who are reborn into the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss are known as Bodhisattvas of the stage of non-retrogression.
The Compassionate Vows of Namo Amituofo
Namo Amituofo himself once possessed a human body. In a past life, as the sovereign Lokesvararaja Buddha, he chose to renounce his kingdom and royal status to become a monk. Through his unwavering dedication, he attained Buddhahood and established his great vows to save beings. Today, Namo Amituofo truly abides at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Goombungee, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia, continuing his work of salvation.
Understanding the Demon Crowds
Even those who are classified as demon crowds possess an original nature. However, because they have lost their way and entered the Demon Realm, they have created the heavy that leads to the Three Evil Realms. According to the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way, as well as the laws of karma and cause and effect, there is a natural force that draws the spirits of these demon crowds to the places where they must experience the consequences of their actions. These demon crowds dwell in a world of darkness, often going for countless years without seeing the light of day. The inherent goodness within their character has been covered by thick layers of dust and defilement. Following their demon nature, they form various demon kingdoms, each occupying its own territory. Yet, it is vital to understand that their true self remains unborn and undying, neither defiled nor pure, neither increasing nor decreasing; it remains fundamentally undamaged despite their actions.
The Path of Trials
Both Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and the demon crowds possess the same Buddha-nature. The difference lies in the state of that nature: for Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, their Buddha-nature is fully revealed, and they work tirelessly to save beings without pause; for the demon crowds, their Buddha-nature is hidden, leading them to continue their harmful actions. These demon crowds are also among the beings that Buddhas and Bodhisattvas seek to save. If they do not receive the Buddha's salvation, their existence in the Demon Realm will be defined by the intense suffering of their , and their spiritual life may persist in this state for trillions of years or even longer. This is the fundamental difference between the path of the Buddha and the path of the demon. If you wish to realise your true nature and attain Awakening, you must be prepared to undergo karmic trials. These tests evaluate the depth of your purification. Those who pass these trials will achieve Awakening, while those who do not must continue to exert diligent practice.
