The Heart of the Buddha: Words to Ananda

Teachings from Namo Amituofo: Recorded by Venerable HaiZe

On this day, the twenty-fifth of April, two thousand and twenty-six, Namo Amituofo offers these profound teachings regarding the nature of the Dharma and the role of the great disciple Ananda.

The Sacred Inquiry of the Venerable Ananda

Ananda serves as the primary interlocutor in the Infinite Life Sutra (The Buddha Speaks the Mahayana, Infinite Life, Adornment, Purity, Impartiality, and Enlightenment Sutra). When Shakyamuni Buddha first expounded this magnificent scripture, it was precisely through the earnest questions posed by Ananda that the teachings were brought forth. Because of his inquiry, the fourfold assembly (monks, nuns, laymen, laywomen) throughout history has been able to receive and study the text of the Infinite Life Sutra (The Buddha Speaks the Mahayana, Infinite Life, Adornment, Purity, Impartiality, and Enlightenment Sutra).

Within the sutra, we frequently encounter the phrases, "The Buddha spoke to Ananda" or "The Buddha told Ananda." These are not merely historical records; they are direct invitations from Shakyamuni Buddha for Ananda—and by extension, all of us—to listen with the utmost sincerity. It is a reminder to every person present at the assembly to focus their mind and heart on the Truth being revealed.

Another key figure in this assembly is Maitreya Bodhisattva. The presence of these great beings demonstrates that this sutra is intended for those who possess the potential of the Great Vehicle, those who have the capacity to embrace the vast vows of the Bodhisattvas.

The Radiance of Being Near the Buddha

After Ananda left his worldly life to follow the Buddha, he remained constantly by the Buddha’s side as his personal attendant. Because of his deep, accumulated good roots from past lifetimes, he possessed a unique ability to hear the Dharma, internalise it, and remember it without ever forgetting. By staying close to the Buddha, he was able to hear the teachings at any moment, receiving constant purification and gaining a profound understanding of the true meaning of the Dharma. This is why Ananda is celebrated as the one who is "foremost in hearing the Dharma" among the ten great disciples of Shakyamuni Buddha.

At this present time, Namo Amituofo truly abides at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Goombungee, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia. The fourfold assembly (monks, nuns, laymen, laywomen) here has the rare and precious opportunity to walk alongside the Buddha, remaining close to his presence. If you are able to listen with a pure heart, if you know how to truly hear and how to truly see, then you too can receive the profound benefits of the Dharma.

Walking the Path of the Enlightened Ones

By staying close to the Buddha, you are continuously bathed in the light of the Dharma, which cleanses the mind of its impurities. Whenever your thoughts or actions begin to drift away from the right path, the Buddha’s teachings act as a compass, guiding you back to the Truth. Through this proximity, you can prevent your thoughts and deeds from straying further away from the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. To be able to walk with the Buddha is the result of magnificent Dharma affinity cultivated over countless lifetimes. By listening to the scriptures, you can resolve your doubts, reveal your innate wisdom, and hasten your journey toward Awakening.

The principle that "all Buddhas walk the same path" has remained unchanged for three thousand years. It is a testament to the fact that this path is rooted in the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. The process of practice to become a Buddha requires real, tangible effort. You must not only be the first to receive the benefits of the Dharma yourself, but you must also strive to help all sentient beings with karmic affinity to receive these same benefits.

The Simple Path to Ultimate Enlightenment

The path to Buddhahood is simple: it requires you to be grounded, taking one step at a time, following the footsteps of the Buddha. For the students of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, the most practical and effective method is to chant one Buddha's name to the end. You must practise this with speed and sincerity. If you do so, your practice will surely flourish, and you will find the progress you seek.

Namo Amituofo