The Profound Choice of Practice

Recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

Choosing to embark upon the path of practice is a profound decision, representing a significant turning point in one's life. In this world, which is often defined by relentless competition and the noise of daily life, practice provides a sanctuary. It is a place where you can find true purification, profound serenity, and a deep sense of peace.

A Sanctuary for the Soul

This sanctuary is not merely an external environment or a physical location. More importantly, it refers to the world within your own heart. By turning inward, you begin to address the fundamental challenges of existence—the cycle of birth, aging, sickness, death, and the various forms of suffering that accompany them. Through the practice of the Dharma, you are no longer a victim of these circumstances but an active participant in your own liberation.

The Ultimate Goal of Awakening

The primary purpose of choosing this path is to attain Awakening and to be reborn in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This choice is not intended solely for your own benefit. When you practise, you are also cultivating the capacity to help all other beings. Your goal is to ensure that they, too, can attain Awakening and reach the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss as quickly as possible.

The Journey of Self-Discovery

Practice is a long and rewarding journey. As you walk this path, you will find that your days become increasingly fulfilling and filled with wonder. You will constantly discover new facets of yourself, different from the person you were in the past. In essence, you are finding your true self again. As you undergo this process of purification, you are effectively stripping away the layers of the ego—the protective outer garments you have worn for so long—to reveal your original, authentic nature.

The Compassionate Vow

When you pause to reflect on your journey, you will see that you are surrounded by many suffering beings who are experiencing the consequences of their past actions. You will realise that you are also among them, still caught in the cycle of cause and effect. This realisation prevents you from stopping or turning back. You hope to attain Awakening as soon as possible, not just for your own sake, but so that you can gain the autonomy to save yourself. Only then will you have the true ability to help all beings leave suffering behind.

Why Do We Practise?

You may ask, what is the ultimate purpose of our practice? We practise for the following reasons:

• To save ourselves from the cycle of rebirth.
• To save the countless, immeasurable cells within our own bodies, which are themselves sentient beings.
• To save our karmic creditors who seek balance for past actions.
• To save attached spirits who have sought refuge within us.
• To save the demon crowds that arise from our own delusions.
• To save all sentient beings with karmic affinity throughout the entire Dharma Realm, as we are all one.

Namo Amituofo