The Precious Body of Awakening

Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, recorded by Venerable Fa Hui.

Regardless of where you are or what you are doing, it is essential to recognise the truth of our existence. Life is limited, and we must use it to benefit all beings rather than letting time slip away in vain. To recognise the truth is to understand the rarity of our current opportunity to practise the Pure Land path.

The Rarity of the Pure Land Path

It is truly a profound blessing to be able to enter the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Goombungee, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia. While our Earth is merely one of countless planets within the vastness of the Dharma Realm, it is uniquely graced by the fact that Namo Amituofo truly abides here. You must recognise this truth, for such an occurrence is exceptionally rare. This sacred presence exists because the Faith, Vows, and Practice of Practitioner Su are in perfect sync with Namo Amituofo. Indeed, Practitioner Su serves as a dedicated practitioner of Namo Amituofo here in the human world.

The Value of the Body of Awakening

Achieving Awakening is no simple task. To save infinite suffering beings, one must possess a physical form; therefore, a body that has reached Awakening is incredibly precious. Under the continuous support of the Buddha's blessings, the Dharma Body of Practitioner Su is able to perform Chao Du for infinite suffering beings and subdue countless demon crowds. Through this, the temple is able to spread the Pure Land teachings throughout the world, demonstrating and assisting Pure Land practitioners in attaining peace and happiness in this very life.

• The practitioner remains free from the ravages of ageing and illness.
• The spirit never dies, ensuring a smooth transition to rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
• This is the deepest aspiration of every Pure Land practitioner and every person who chants the name of the Buddha.

However, this aspiration requires diligent practice if you are to have any chance of achieving it.

The Direct Path in the Age of Dharma Decline

At this present moment, the Pure Land Dharma Gate stands as the most direct and convenient path for achieving success in practice during this age of the Dharma’s decline. Within this community, the fourfold assembly of disciples—monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen—all practise according to their respective vows. Whether you are a monastic or a lay practitioner, please recognise the truth: encountering the Pure Land path is a rare opportunity. It is the key to leaving the cycle of rebirth behind, attaining rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, and ultimately attaining Buddhahood. You must actively grasp this opportunity with both hands.

Gathering Under the Light of Namo Amituofo

At this time, the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre provides the environment to help those who chant the Buddha's name to practise with diligence and achieve success. It is the power of Dharma affinity that has drawn everyone together to gather here at Hsiang Kuang. Under the guidance of Namo Amituofo, who truly abides here, we are taught how to achieve success in our practice. Together, we walk forward on the path to the West, ensuring that our wish to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss is fulfilled.

Namo Amituofo