The Preciousness of the Present Moment

Namo Amituofo's discourse, recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

Every single moment you experience is profoundly precious. Because this present moment exists, it serves as a testament that you are still breathing and that you remain within the human world. This is a reality for which we should feel immense gratitude. How many lives have vanished from this world at this very instant, only to be cast into the cycle of rebirth within the six realms of existence, where they must endure further suffering? Conversely, many other lives have arrived in this world at this same moment, becoming part of the human realm and embarking upon their own arduous journey through the cycle of samsara.

The Rare Opportunity for Awakening

For those of you who are dedicated practitioners, this moment may be the very time you finally realise your true nature. This is a once-in-a-thousand-years opportunity that is truly difficult to encounter. Therefore, you must understand that every minute and every second is invaluable. Many people fail to recognise the significance of the present, treating it with indifference or neglect. Because of this, they may miss the most important opportunities of their lives. Before one has achieved the state of an awakened being, every moment remains a variable—a potential turning point where one can:

• Turn the heart from confusion to clarity.
• Shift from a wrong path to the right path.
• Transform impurity into purity.
• Finally realise one's true nature.

Because of this, no matter what your circumstances are, you must never let your time pass in vain.

The Responsibility of the Awakened

Even after you have reached the state of an awakened being, you must continue to cherish your physical body and use it wisely. At this time, with an awakened body, you should fully express the capabilities of your spirit. By acting with an awakened, selfless heart, you will naturally flow with the Dharma and never violate the universal principle. This allows you to effectively save countless suffering beings. In this age of the Dharma’s decline, we live in a defiled and evil world of suffering where the spiritual obstacles of beings are heavy and deep. Saving them is not an easy task.

A Vow to Save All Beings

As a practitioner who has realised the truth, you must exert your utmost effort to:

• Cultivate new talents who are capable of saving beings and achieving awakening.
• Widely propagate the Pure Land teachings throughout the world and the Dharma Realm.
• Teach all beings how to resolve their suffering and leave it behind.
• Encourage everyone to chant Namo Amituofo, make sincere vows, and successfully be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Namo Amituofo