The Path of Filial Piety: Chao Du for Ancestors

On the 26th of March 2018, at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia, a significant inquiry was brought forth. Disciple Fa Xi, having invited Namo Amituofo to provide guidance, noted that many members of the congregation wished to perform Chao Du for their deceased ancestors. However, many felt constrained by their financial situations. Upon learning of this, Practitioner Su requested that the Buddha provide compassionate teachings to guide these devoted followers.

The Heart of Filial Piety

Namo Amituofo offered the following profound discourse:

To act upon one's filial nature without violating the True Dharma is a practice that can certainly be established to express such filial devotion. It is a noble intention to seek the liberation of those who came before us. However, until the ultimate goal of rebirth in the Western Pure Land is reached, you must remember to practise constantly. You must continue the Chao Du over a long period, never ceasing until they are successfully reborn in the Western Pure Land.

Sincerity Over Material Wealth

As descendants in the world of the living, you must be sincere and truthful in your approach. Regarding the offerings for the Dharma assembly, you should contribute according to your capacity. Learning the Buddha's path should be without obstruction; do not create obstacles within your own mind. Simply do your best, and that is sufficient. In the Dharma-Nature Land, the reality is the same. Chao Du must be performed, whether through material offerings or through the dedicated effort of your own practice.

The True Meaning of Deliverance

What is most important is the sincerity of your heart. If you have wealth, why not offer it to support the Dharma? If you are poor, why not perform the practice yourself through your own diligent chanting and prostrations? You should know that this is a virtuous act of the Dharma. Since the Buddha is truly present here, all of you must seize this opportunity. Participate in the Buddha's work, for this is the path to becoming a Buddha. Namo Amituofo, I hereby declare this truth.

A Record of Compassionate Deliverance

This message was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Shi Fa Xi. To assist the congregation, the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre provides the following record sheet for those wishing to invite the spirits of the deceased to the Dharma assembly:

• Representative of the Living: [Name]
• Name of the Deceased: [Name]
• Gender of the Deceased: [Gender]
• Origin of the Spirit: [Location/Realm]
• Date of Invitation: [Date]
• Date of Chao Du: [Date]
• Date of Rebirth in the Western Pure Land: [Date]
• Contact Information: [Name, Phone, Address]

Namo Amituofo reminds all: You must remember that the Chao Du process must be carried out until the deceased has truly achieved rebirth in the Western Pure Land. Only then is the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way of the Dharma Realm fulfilled, and only then is there no fault in your practice.

Namo Amituofo