The Profound Significance of Listening to the Dharma

The Eternal Resonance of the Dharma

The act of listening to the sutras and hearing the Dharma is a universal practice. It transcends the boundaries of time and space, and it knows no distinction between high or low status among beings. The primary requirement for this practice is the manifestation of Dharma affinity and the presence of a sincere vow. Those who listen to the Dharma with a focused heart can understand its profound meaning. By understanding the Dharma, one attains purity, which is the most precious treasure of all. This understanding allows one to navigate the cycle of rebirth and ultimately secure rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. I am but one among all sentient beings, and within the vast collective of beings, there is a place for me. I vow to transform my intentions into actions that align with the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way.

What sutras and teachings should one listen to? One should listen to the teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha, the various Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, and the ancestral masters. These teachings, passed down through the ages, provide the essential guidance for those who wish to learn the Buddha’s teachings. Furthermore, there are virtuous teachers who point out the various difficulties and obstacles that students encounter on their path to enlightenment, offering practical methods to overcome them. Most importantly, one must listen to the Pure Land Dharma, which addresses the great matter of life and death—a teaching that is often difficult for people to believe.

A Rare Gateway to Awakening

Today, we have the rare opportunity to hear the teachings of Namo Amituofo, as revealed in the profound explanations of the sutras. This is a magnificent and rare Dharma that clarifies the misconceptions held by beings in both the worldly and transcendental realms, as well as by those who practise Buddha-recitation. It helps us rediscover our true nature, allowing us to save ourselves and others, and to guide all beings toward rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

From ancient times until now, humanity has never had such an opportunity to receive messages directly from Namo Amituofo in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. These teachings have been transcribed into words, and through the insight of Practitioner Su, who has realised his true nature, these profound Dharma teachings are interpreted and put into practice. By adhering to these teachings and thoroughly integrating them into our lives, we can save infinite suffering beings and guide them to rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This is a matter that is difficult to believe and rare to hear, yet it has manifested here at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. Those who can believe, listen to the Dharma, and put it into practice are truly blessed individuals. They are opening the door to their own opportunity for rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

The Healing Power of Wisdom

Listening to the Dharma is a vital process for the purification of one's practice and the eventual realisation of one's true nature. The benefits of this practice are manifold, depending on the needs of the individual:

• For the fourfold assembly of disciples and Dharma protectors: Listening to the Dharma is a means to seek purification, rediscover one's original nature, and save both oneself and other beings from suffering.
• For those suffering from physical or mental illness: Listening to the Dharma is a way to restore the spirit and find healing.
• For those facing karmic obstacles or karmic creditors: Listening to the Dharma helps in resolving these conflicts, leading to a smoother path in life.
• For those struggling with emotional pain: Listening to the Dharma provides the wisdom to untie the knots of emotional entanglement and suffering.

Regardless of the reason one comes to listen to the Dharma, the goal is to understand the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way, as well as the reality of karmic conditions and the causes and effects. It is about dissolving incorrect views, ego-attachment, and stubborn self-clinging. By recognising what is real and what is illusory, one breaks through delusion and attains enlightenment. The moment one truly understands the Truth is the moment of Awakening. Listening to the Dharma also allows one to understand various methods of practice. Shakyamuni Buddha clearly pointed out that in this age of the Dharma’s decline, the Pure Land path is the most certain way to achieve success. Being able to chant the name of Namo Amituofo and be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss at the end of one's life is not only the goal of our current practice but also the shared aspiration of all who follow the Pure Land path.

Infinite Compassion Across the Cosmos

The audience for these teachings is vast, ranging from the highest Bodhisattvas to the beings in the hells. This scope encompasses the infinite beings of the six realms of existence, the Four Sacred Realms, and the connected spirits from this and other Buddha-lands. When Practitioner Su gives these lectures, the audience even includes spirits from other star systems within the Milky Way. This is because the Dharma affinity established by the teacher in past lives determines who is drawn to listen. Although these beings may have different appearances, names, and origins, every single one of them possesses a spirit and the potential to rediscover their Buddha-nature.

Even beings from the demon realms are spiritual beings who once lived as humans. They fell into the demon realms only because of deviations in their thoughts and actions, and because they lacked proper guidance. Now, due to karmic conditions, they come to the lecture hall to listen to Practitioner Su, seeking Chao Du and rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Many of these beings, having been taught by Practitioner Su, have turned away from their wrong paths and become important Dharma protectors at the temple.

The Continuity of the Dharma Lineage

We now know that there are spaces within spaces, and each level of existence is inhabited by countless spirits. These realms and beings are truly infinite. Because Practitioner Su has opened these dimensions, the spirits from past lives who share an affinity with him are now able to listen to the lectures. They have the opportunity to receive Chao Du and be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. The primary requirement for this is the manifestation of Dharma affinity. Whether this connection is direct or indirect, once the conditions are ripe, the Dharma spoken by the teacher can enter the ears and hearts of the listeners, leading to a transformation in their behaviour. This is the moment one receives the benefits of the Dharma.

Above all, you must change your personality traits and habits, engage in purification to realise your true nature, and resolve conflicts with the karmic creditors residing within your own cells. Only by saving yourself can you then save others and guide them to rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This is what Practitioner Su has reminded and taught us time and time again. You must believe, listen, and change. Do not let the efforts of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre go to waste. With the guidance of Namo Amituofo, the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, the ancestral masters, and the protection of the Dragon and Heaven Dharma Protectors, Practitioner Su has dedicated thirty years to the study of the Pure Land path. He has exhausted his strength to lecture on the Dharma and perform Chao Du for infinite beings, ensuring that the Pure Land teachings are widely propagated and the Dharma lineage continues forever.

Recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

Namo Amituofo