The Power of Mutual Cooperation

Words of Namo Amituofo, recorded by Venerable HaiZe on 12 March 2023.

The mission of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre to save the world and rescue suffering beings is a grand undertaking. It is not the work of a single individual, but a collective achievement that relies upon the harmony, mutual support, and dedicated effort of the fourfold assembly. Each member of our community must contribute their best efforts to ensure that our shared goals are realised.

The Boundless Nature of Our Mission

The scale of this work can be infinitely vast, or it can be limited; it all depends on the strength of your own heart and the sincerity of your personal practice. Unless one has realised their true nature, their heart and actions—whether they appear large or small, whether they involve much or little, whether they are present or absent—are still influenced by the ego. For those who have realised their true nature, there is no distinction between merit and Blessings; all is performed in a state of no-mind, and thus, the work becomes timeless and boundless.

Flexibility and Skillful Means

In our commitment to save all beings, we must remain flexible. If our resources are insufficient, we can always add more; if they are abundant, we must remember that nothing is ever truly fixed. Everything must be utilised with wisdom, following the conditions as they arise and observing the capacity of those we seek to help. We must always be mindful of the timing and the needs of the beings we encounter.

The fourfold assembly must work in perfect coordination. When you are able to remove the obstacles in your path, the work will progress smoothly. This requires each of you to do your utmost, aligning your efforts with the greater purpose of the temple.

Overcoming the Self

Within the journey of practice, the manifestation of karma and the challenges posed by the 'self,' personal ego, and selfishness are the primary issues that you must overcome and improve upon. These are the internal barriers that prevent you from seeing your true nature. As members of a team, you must learn to embrace one another with compassion. By helping others grow, you are simultaneously helping yourself.

Accepting the shortcomings of others and offering your own strengths to fill those gaps is an essential part of your practice. Those who have realised their true nature will see these dynamics clearly and will provide the necessary guidance and corrections to keep the team on the right path. When everyone works together in harmony, you will successfully complete the great task of saving the world.

Always remember that the completion of any great mission is simply the result of successfully completing many small tasks with a pure and dedicated heart.

Namo Amituofo