The Heart of the Buddha: Saving Infinite Beings

The Power of the Vow

How does one truly save infinite beings? This is a question that touches the very core of our existence. When a vow arises within the heart, it is only then that one possesses the true strength to act. With a clear direction and a firm goal, one can move forward directly along the path of liberation.

What is the nature of this vow? For those of us who practise the Pure Land path, our foundation lies in the Forty-eight Great Vows of Namo Amituofo. We make the vow to chant the Buddha-name and seek rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This vow is the essential condition for all beings throughout the Ten Directions of the Dharma Realm to enter the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

We must also vow to save all suffering beings and help them leave suffering behind. We must remember that we are also among these beings; therefore, saving others from suffering is, in truth, saving ourselves from suffering as well.

The Necessity of Diligent Practice

Having the vow is only the beginning. One must also embody this through action. Diligent practice and the cultivation of compassion are the actual, physical steps we take to save ourselves and to save others. Consider the relationship between your vows and your actions:

• If you have a vow but lack the practice, it is like an empty wish that possesses no power to manifest.
• If you can put your vow into action, then the fulfilment of that vow becomes a hopeful reality.

At this moment, for the students of Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, being able to follow the Buddha’s actions is the greatest blessing one could ever receive.

True Cultivation and the Awakened Nature

In this life, possessing a physical body is a matter of great importance for the elevation of one's spirit. Within this body, there is a spirit, and within that spirit, there is the true self. Through the process of practice and purification, one can engage in True Cultivation to see their true nature.

Those who have realised their true nature are selfless and possess no ego. They act in accordance with the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. Because they see clearly and distinctly the selfish, ego-driven hearts and actions of ordinary beings, they make the saving of all suffering beings their fundamental vow.

A Continuous Flow of Compassion

Those who have realised their true nature never cease in their work to save beings. This is because they are one with all beings; they can see and feel the suffering of others at any given moment. When they witness such suffering, they move directly forward to provide salvation. This is the power of compassion—the ability to endure and to take on the suffering of others.

In every aspect of life—whether walking, standing, sitting, or lying down—one should never be apart from the Buddha. When chanting then becomes a continuous, flowing stream that never stops, it means that the Buddha is present within your heart and actions. When the Buddha-heart, the Buddha-vow, and the Buddha-actions are integrated into your every movement, the work of saving beings will never cease.

Namo Amituofo.