The Infinite Light and Infinite Life of Namo Amituofo

Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

During the second session of the Thrice Yearning Ceremony on 13 July 2024, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju offered these profound insights into the nature of the Buddha.

The Radiance of Infinite Compassion

Infinite Light signifies that the Buddha's radiance is without limit. Infinite Life signifies that the Buddha's lifespan is without end. Namo Amituofo possesses both infinite light and infinite life, illuminating the lands of the ten directions without any obstruction. As it is said, the light of Namo Amituofo shines universally upon countless and boundless Buddha-realms.

The name Amituofo is derived from Sanskrit. In Chinese, the character 'A' is translated as 'Infinite', and 'Mituo' is translated as 'Light' or 'Life'. Because of these infinite qualities, the Buddha is known by many names, each reflecting a different aspect of His perfection:

• Infinite Life Buddha
• Infinite Light Buddha
• Boundless Light Buddha
• Unobstructed Light Buddha
• Incomparable Light Buddha

From these sacred texts, we come to understand that all these titles refer to the same Namo Amituofo. He is the embodiment of the entire Dharma Realm.

The Embodiment of the Dharma Realm

The term 'Dharma Realm' refers to the entirety of the void and the vast expanse of the Dharma Realm itself. To say that Namo Amituofo is the 'Universal Buddha' means that His body encompasses the entire Dharma Realm. He is the container and the essence of all existence.

Therefore, when you chant the name of Namo Amituofo, you are simultaneously chanting the names of all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas throughout the ten directions and the three periods of time. Namo Amituofo is truly the King of Buddhas. He possesses:

• Great majestic spiritual power
• Great power of merit and virtue
• Great power of fearlessness

Because of this, the merit and virtue gained from chanting the name of Namo Amituofo are impossible to exhaust, and the blessings are impossible to measure.

The Sanctuary of Ultimate Bliss

The world of Infinite Light and Infinite Life is the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. It is a realm where one can achieve rebirth even while carrying the weight of past karma. The Western Pure Land was established by Namo Amituofo when He was a practitioner known as Dharmakara Bhikshu. He made the Forty-eight Great Vows specifically to save the boundless beings of the ten directions.

Today, Namo Amituofo truly abides at Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He has come specifically to rescue the infinite suffering beings of the ten directions. This is a reality that brings joy and praise from all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas of the ten directions and the three periods of time. All beings throughout the Dharma Realm rejoice at this, coming forward to seek the Buddha's blessing and Chao Du.

A Rare Encounter in the Dharma Realm

This is an opportunity that is difficult to encounter even in millions of years. It is a truly magnificent and rare event. Many things that are difficult to believe and difficult to encounter are now being heard, seen, and understood right here at Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre.

The fourfold assembly of disciples must have firm faith. You should be sincere, respectful, and diligent in your prostrations. By doing so, you align yourself with the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way, ensuring your path to the Western Pure Land is secure.

Namo Amituofo