The Power of Collective Prostration and the Path to Awakening

Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, recorded by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe.

December 9, 2022.

Every Thursday, the collective prostration session at Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre serves as a vital time for the fourfold assembly to gather, strengthen their faith, and engage in diligent practice. This is a sacred period where our collective energy converges to support our spiritual growth.

The Sanctity of Shared Devotion

When we gather as a community, we create a profound environment that fosters deep concentration and purification. If you truly commit yourself to these three hours of prostration with absolute sincerity, you will find that your experience transcends anything you have known before. It is not merely about the movement of the body; it is about the stillness of the heart. When you bow, you are letting go of the ego and surrendering to the wisdom of Namo Amituofo.

Reflecting on the Journey Home

Today, we were pleased to welcome back two members of the fourfold assembly who had been away from the temple for some time. Having spent years in the world, they have experienced the stark contrast between the purification offered here and the pollution of the mundane world. This experience should serve as a powerful reminder to us all: the purity of the temple environment provides a sanctuary for the soul, allowing us to return to our original nature, whereas the world outside is filled with distractions that cloud our clarity and lead us away from the Right Way. Recognising this difference is the first step toward true vigilance and a deeper appreciation for the opportunity to practise here.

The Vow to Attain Buddhahood

Everything we have here at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is precious and not easily obtained. We must make a firm vow to save ourselves and to save all suffering beings. By returning to the temple, these practitioners have chosen to follow the Buddha with renewed diligence. They have realised the suffering of this world and are now seeking true liberation. They are walking the great path to realise their true nature and attain Buddhahood. Let us cherish every moment, for the path to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss is open to all who walk with sincerity and faith. Namo Amituofo.