The Path to True Awakening: The Second Letter of Lay Practitioner Li Muyuan
Reflections on the Essence of Learning Buddhism
A Message from Singapore, July 20, 2017
The Illusion of External Achievement
I, Lay Practitioner Li Muyuan, although I may not be a person of great status, have at least dedicated my life and energy to the in Singapore. It is through this collective effort that the Singapore Buddhist Lodge stands as it does today. I share this not to boast or seek recognition; please do not misunderstand my intention. I speak of this because I wish to share a truly terrifying realisation with all of you. Despite my years of service to the Dharma, and despite leading so many people in chanting Namo Amituofo and studying the Buddha’s teachings, I found that after my passing, I had not attained rebirth in the of Ultimate Bliss. This is a sobering truth that I must share with you all.
Learning with the Heart, Not
I wish to clarify what it truly means to learn Buddhism. Many of us fall into the trap of believing that learning is merely a matter of physical action. We think that if we perform prostrations, chant the name of Namo Amituofo, read the sutras, and contemplate the Buddha, we are doing enough. However, if your heart remains untouched—if you do not embody the essence of the Buddha’s teachings—then rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss remains impossible. You may spend your entire day in these practices, but if your heart is not aligned with the Buddha, you have not yet begun to learn.
The Necessity of Changing Personality Traits
What does it mean to grasp the essence of the Buddha’s teachings? At its simplest level, it is the process of changing one's personality traits. The Buddha possesses no ego, no stubborn personality, and no attachment to self. If he had such traits, he would not be a Buddha. If you truly wish to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, you must aspire to Buddhahood. Yet, if you cling to even a tiny fragment of your old personality, you cannot become a Buddha. You cannot be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Do you understand the gravity of this fact? This is the absolute truth, which I only came to understand after being rescued by the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre and listening to the teachings here.
The Truth of the Universe
Even if you only attend one or two sessions of listening to the Dharma here, you will begin to understand the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. Without coming to listen and reflect, one truly remains in the dark. I sincerely hope that those whom I have guided in the past, those who have walked this path of learning Buddhism with me, will take the opportunity to visit the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. I want to show you how to truly learn Buddhism. I wish for you to take the wisdom you gain here back to the Singapore Buddhist Lodge and share it with even more people. I am here, waiting for you to join me on this path of true .
Namo Amituofo
More from Lay Practitioners
The Truth Behind Auspicious Signs: An Interview with Lay Practitioner Zhong Canzeng
Many have asked why a practitioner who displayed auspicious signs during chanting still fell into the hells. Lay Practitioner Zhong Canzeng, father of Venerable Ding Hong, shares his personal testimony on the reality of karmic debt and the saving grace of Namo Amituofo.
A Message from the Western Pure Land: Lay Practitioner Huang Nianzu
Lay Practitioner Huang Nianzu speaks from the Western Pure Land, offering profound insights on the mission of Practitioner Su, the presence of Namo Amituofo at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, and a heartfelt call for practitioners to seize this rare opportunity for Awakening.
Transforming the Mind: An Interview with Lay Practitioner Li Bingnan
In this profound interview, Lay Practitioner Li Bingnan explores the deep connection between our mental state, the laws of karma, and the path to true healing. By understanding the role of karmic creditors and the compassionate guidance of Namo Amituofo, we can learn to transform our minds and find liberation from suffering.
The Crucial Choice: To Change or Not to Change
In this profound dialogue, Lay Practitioner Li Bingnan explores the vital necessity of repentance and the courage required to change one's ways. He addresses the heartbreaking reality of those who refuse to listen to guidance, the cycle of karmic retribution, and the urgent call for practitioners to act with compassion to save suffering beings.
More by Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
The Final Curtain Call of Chu Ke-liang
A candid reflection from the late Taiwanese entertainer Chu Ke-liang on his life, his career, the karmic weight of his influence, and his ultimate deliverance to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.
The Soul's True Equality: A Conversation with Mahatma Gandhi
This is a record of an interview with Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life and his journey to the Pure Land.
A Reflection from the Western Pure Land
This is a record of an interview with Zhao Puchu, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life in the 20th century. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa Hui, on April 18, 2026.
The Truth Behind My Rebirth: A Message from Liu Suqing
Liu Suqing, the elder sister of the renowned practitioner Liu Suyun, shares her harrowing journey through the spirit realms and her ultimate deliverance to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss through the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre.
The Burden of a Historical Name
This is a record of an interview with Lin Biao, who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life approximately 54 years ago. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa, on May 18, 2026.
The Poet’s Journey to the Western Pure Land
A reflection on the life, tragedy, and ultimate spiritual liberation of the ancient statesman Qu Yuan, who found peace through the teachings of Practitioner Su.
About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library