The Infinite Life Within

The Mirage of Eternal Desires

Namo Amituofo teaches us that human beings are constantly driven by a deep, innate longing for the eternal. In our search for this elusive permanence, we are often willing to sacrifice our entire lives, our mental energy, and our material wealth. We hope to exchange these precious resources for a sense of security that will never fade, a life that will never end, and a beauty that will never wither. We chase after:

• Eternal peace of mind, free from the anxieties of the world.Eternal life, untouched by the decay of time.Eternal youth and beauty, preserved against the passage of years.Eternal love, which we hope will never change or betray us.Eternal value, seeking to leave a mark that will last forever.

However, the reality of our existence within the cycle of rebirth is that there is no such thing as permanence. Everything we perceive is subject to the law of impermanence. Our circumstances, the passage of time, the state of our hearts, and the unfolding of our karma are all in a constant state of flux. Because we do not understand this fundamental truth, we are devastated when the things we cling to as eternal inevitably vanish or change. When we face betrayal or the shifting tides of life, we are left feeling disappointed, pained, and even hopeless.

The Weight of Karma and Impermanence

The laws of karma and cause and effect are both real and perfectly fair. Yet, because our lives are so short and so filled with change, we are often unable to see the full picture of our existence. We cannot perceive the hidden causes behind our current circumstances. Consequently, we often find ourselves trapped in a cycle of regret and sorrow, sighing over the past and worrying about the future. We live in a state of confusion, unable to see the truth of our situation.

My children, there is another reality that exists in this world, though it is a truth that only a few are fortunate enough to discover and benefit from. That truth is the path of practice. Through diligent practice, one can find the original nature that is truly eternal and unchanging.

Awakening to the True Self

Within your true self, there resides a state of being that is beyond the reach of time and decay. It contains:

• Eternal, auspicious characteristics and dignity.Eternal Wisdom, which illuminates the darkness of ignorance.Eternal virtue and capability, which allow us to benefit all beings.Eternal peace of mind, which remains undisturbed by external events.Eternal value, which is inherent and does not depend on the recognition of others.

In this state, you are no longer entangled in the cycle of birth, aging, sickness, and death. However, to reach this state, you must have the right conditions. You need the guidance of the Dharma and the support of noble people to begin the journey, to sustain the process, and to finally achieve the result.

The Gateway to Infinite Life

Dharma affinity can manifest in many ways. It might be a single sentence you read in a book or see on a screen that touches your heart. It might be the sound of the Buddha-name being chanted, or the sincerity you perceive in the words and images of those who have already awakened. These are the sparks that can lead you to begin your practice and eventually rediscover your true self.

The Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia is opening this great door for everyone. Led by the compassionate guidance of Namo Amituofo, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, and Practitioner Su, we are walking the great path of practice together to rediscover our original nature. I encourage you all to work hard at your purification. Let us strive to reclaim the true self that has been lost and covered by the dust of lifetimes. The eternity that resides within your true self will never disappoint you.

However, this true self cannot be attained without effort. You must put in the work and cultivate your skills to find it. Please cherish your limited time in this life and use it to create the infinite value of life that exists within your true self.

Namo Amituofo.