In this world, we often find ourselves drifting like a long, flowing river of muddy water. Our spirits, though inherently formless and pure, are often obscured by the heavy sediment of our past actions and worldly attachments. We possess a natural, clear, and bright power within us, yet we are frequently hindered by the turbidity of our environment. Because we are so often caught in this flow, we forget our original nature and instead spend our lives chasing after —the fleeting sights, sounds, smells, tastes, touches, and thoughts that define our sensory experience.
When we carry the heavy burden of these worldly affairs, it becomes difficult to return to our true, original state of being. If your journey through life is obstructed by these attachments, it is a sign that your heart is still deeply entangled in the world. You must understand that the path you walk is a reflection of the strength of your inner resolve. It is time to turn back toward the pure and the true.
The Unity of All Beings
I have come to open the way for you, to show you that the world is not as separate as it appears. We are all one, and we must strive to achieve this unity in our practice. Do not look at others as if they are separate from you; instead, see all beings as your own kin. When you remove the barriers of discrimination from your heart, you will find that the divisions you once perceived begin to dissolve.
We have all travelled through the cycle of rebirth for countless ages, yet we still find ourselves lost. If you look back at the many years that have passed, you may ask: what have you truly understood? What have you truly gained? If you search for truth within the world, you will find that it does not exist there. The true is not found in the transient things of this world, but in the realization of your own original nature.
Preparing for the Final Journey
When the time comes to depart from this life, what will you rely upon? If you have not prepared yourself through diligent practice, how can you expect to find the way to the of Ultimate Bliss? Your life is a journey, and the destination you reach after this life depends entirely on the state of your heart and the clarity of your awareness. If you can truly understand this, you will not fall into the dark paths of suffering.
means that you no longer allow the dust of the world to cloud your mind. When you reach this state of stillness, your meditative concentration will grow, and the lotus that awaits you in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss will flourish. The grade of your lotus is determined by the depth of your practice and the purity of your intent. You must understand the profound meaning of this: true awakening is the realization of emptiness, where all attachments are released and the true nature of reality is revealed.
A Call to Diligent Practice
The time for gathering is now. You are here, and you have the opportunity to practise. Do not let this moment pass in vain. You must grasp this opportunity with both hands and commit yourself to the path of chanting . By doing so, you will find the strength to transcend the cycle of rebirth and return to your true home in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Let your heart be clear, let your practice be steady, and let your vow to save all beings be your guiding light. This is the way to leave suffering behind and find the happiness that never fades.
This discourse was recorded by the Buddhist disciple Shi Fa Xi, who served as the chief writer for these Buddha messages.
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