The Precious Land of Hsiang Kuang

Teachings from Namo Amituofo, recorded by Venerable HaiZe.

My children, the path of spiritual practice is not a static or unchanging journey. It is a living, breathing process that requires your constant attention and sincerity. On this sacred road toward Buddhahood, Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre serves as a precious land, a sanctuary specifically prepared for those who seek to enter the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

The Path to Infinite Light

For the vast majority of people, the journey begins within the mundane world. You must start by diligently chanting the name of Namo Amituofo. As you continue this practice, you will eventually develop true attainment, which provides the necessary conditions for your eventual rebirth in the Western Pure Land. Once you reach that destination at the end of your life, you will find yourself in an environment of Infinite Life and Infinite Light. It is within that magnificent environment that you will continue your practice until you finally attain Buddhahood. This is why the Pure Land path is considered the supreme One Vehicle Buddhism—it is a direct and compassionate method for all beings.

Navigating the Age of the Dharma’s Decline

This method is incredibly convenient and accessible, yet we must be honest about the challenges of this current age of the Dharma’s decline. Even with the guidance of the Pure Land teachings, many practitioners struggle to reach the Western Pure Land, even when they chant at the time of their passing or receive the support of active, collective chanting. Because of these difficulties, it is even rarer for a practitioner to have the opportunity to realise their true nature and attain Buddhahood while still in this precious human body.

The Living Presence of Namo Amituofo

However, at Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre—the place where Namo Amituofo truly dwells, you are blessed with a unique geographical and spiritual advantage. Here, your chanting is directly supported by the power of Namo Amituofo’s blessings. During every Thrice Yearning Ceremony, you can witness the truth of this presence. Countless sentient beings and spirits arrive at the temple, seeking Chao Du and hoping to be led to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. The sheer number of these beings, and the urgency with which they seek help, is a testament to the fact that Namo Amituofo is truly present at Hsiang Kuang. This centre is a precious land for the deliverance of beings and a sacred ground for those who wish to realise their true nature and attain Buddhahood.

The Solemn Responsibility of the Practitioner

Practitioner Su, who has already realised his true nature, leads the fourfold assembly of disciples with this very goal in mind. You must remember that spiritual practice is a deeply personal matter. No one can walk this path for you. As the ancient wisdom states: we are born alone, we die alone, we come alone, and we go alone. We must bear the fruits of our own suffering and happiness; no one can take our place. Whether you are diligent or lazy, whether you fall back into the cycle of rebirth or succeed in being reborn in the Western Pure Land, and whether you realise your true nature and attain Buddhahood—these are all outcomes determined by your own efforts. When you exert your own strength, you will surely receive the added support of the Buddha’s blessings.

The Rare Opportunity for Awakening

At Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, you have the rare opportunity to realise your true nature while still in your human body. You may even reach a level where, like Practitioner Su, you can move freely between this world and the Western Pure Land. During the Thrice Yearning Ceremonies, you may eventually be able to use your own Dharma Body to perform Chao Du for sentient beings, fulfilling their wishes to be led into the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This magnificent ability is truly rare and difficult to encounter. I hope that all members of the fourfold assembly will work hard and practise with great diligence, for that is the only way to reach the time of your own Awakening and successful completion of the path.

Namo Amituofo