Teachings from , recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.
The Compassionate Gift of Shakyamuni Buddha
The Infinite Life Sutra (The Buddha Speaks the , Infinite Life, Adornment, Purity, Impartiality, and Sutra) is the supreme that Shakyamuni Buddha proclaimed after he descended into the human world and demonstrated the path to realise one's true nature and attain Buddhahood. This manifestation is the actualisation of the Vow of Praise by All Buddhas, which is one of the Forty-eight Great Vows of Namo Amituofo. It is truly a profound blessing for all beings residing in the Saha world.
Because Shakyamuni Buddha expounded the Great Vows of Namo Amituofo and described the of Ultimate Bliss, the beings trapped within the six realms of rebirth—including those in the human world—finally have the precious opportunity to hear the Dharma. When beings whose conditions have matured are able to accept this teaching with faith, practise it diligently, and single-mindedly chant the sacred name of Namo Amituofo, they gain the opportunity to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss and realise one's true nature and attain Buddhahood. This is the incomparable grace that Shakyamuni Buddha has bestowed upon all sentient beings.
The Wisdom of Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju
We are fortunate to have encountered the wisdom of Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju. He observed that because there were various translations of the Infinite Life Sutra (The Buddha Speaks the Mahayana, Infinite Life, Adornment, Purity, Impartiality, and Enlightenment Sutra), people often felt a sense of regret, as if they were missing a vital piece of the puzzle depending on which version they recited. Therefore, he compiled the various versions into a single, comprehensive edition.
This resulted in the version we have today, the Infinite Life Sutra (The Buddha Speaks the Mahayana, Infinite Life, Adornment, Purity, Impartiality, and Enlightenment Sutra). It is the complete edition of the sutra present in this world, and it is truly a work that earns the praise of Namo Amituofo. In the practice of the Pure Land Dharma Gate, having faith in the Buddha is the most essential foundation.
A Sanctuary for Spiritual Purification
Today, this sutra has become the daily practice text for practitioners of the Pure Land school and for the fourfold assembly at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia. Because Namo Amituofo is always present by our side, he assists Practitioner Su in the work of for sentient beings and subduing countless demon crowds, guiding them into the Western Land of Dharma Nature.
The beings within the Land of Dharma Nature, along with the fourfold assembly of disciples, have the opportunity to recite this sutra every single day. By doing so, they receive the following benefits:
They are guided by the teachings of the sutra, which allows them to recognise Namo Amituofo and the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
They learn of their past mistakes through the text, which inspires them to repent their karmic obstacles.
They gain the opportunity to purify their spirits and elevate the quality of one's spirit.
This is the practical application of spreading the Pure Land teachings and promoting this sutra so that all beings may receive the benefits of the Dharma.
The Eternal Seed of
The content of the Infinite Life Sutra (The Buddha Speaks the Mahayana, Infinite Life, Adornment, Purity, Impartiality, and Enlightenment Sutra) is concise, yet every sentence is a profound essence. Those who wish to achieve success in their Pure Land practice must recite it diligently and accept its teachings with faith. You should change your ways according to the words of the sutra, generate Bodhicitta, and focus your mind entirely on chanting the name of Namo Amituofo. By doing so, you will certainly receive the support of the Buddha's , and your practice will show clear signs of progress. This is also the act of cultivating the for rebirth in the Western Pure Land: Faith, Vows, and Practice.
The Pure Land Dharma Gate of chanting the sacred name of Namo Amituofo is a magnificent benefit derived from the Forty-eight Great Vows. It is the path promoted by all Buddhas of the ten directions and three periods of time, and at this very moment, the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is participating in this noble work. To spread the sacred name of Namo Amituofo, we must remember that regardless of the time or space, whether it is in this world or another, or whether it is among the spirits or human beings, anyone who hears the sacred name of Namo Amituofo will have that seed planted in their : once it enters the ear, it becomes a seed of the Way forever.
This is the power of the blessings of Namo Amituofo's vows. No matter how many lifetimes or eons pass, there will always come a time when these beings are saved. If the fourfold assembly at Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre practises diligently, you will be able to receive the benefits of seeing your true nature and being reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. I hope that all of you will work together to save yourselves and others, and to spread the Pure Land Dharma Gate.
