The Profound Significance of This Lifetime

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

How long is the span of a human life? A life of one hundred years is rare indeed; those who reach such an age are considered auspicious beings among humanity. Yet, we must ask ourselves: can we truly count on reaching such an age? In the vast, beginningless, and endless river of your spiritual life, this current human body may seem as small and insignificant as a single grain of sand in a mighty river. However, do not be deceived by its size, for this lifetime is of profound and critical importance.

The Pivot Point of Eternity

This lifetime is exceptionally significant because you have encountered Namo Amituofo, your teacher, and Practitioner Su. You have been granted the rare opportunity to engage in diligent practice, to realise your true nature, and to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Within the context of your eternal spiritual life, this is the most vital event you could ever experience. If you achieve Awakening, the light of your true nature will shine across the entire long river of your spiritual life. Within this expanse, every person, every situation, and every object you encounter becomes an opportunity to save beings and guide them toward the path of liberation.

The Radiance of Awakening

For every practitioner, it is essential that you do not neglect any single moment. Every present moment is a precious opportunity to achieve Awakening. Especially for the fourfold assembly of disciples at Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, you are receiving a direct education in the supreme Buddha’s teachings—the Pure Land Dharma Gate. This path allows you to achieve Awakening and attain Buddhahood. Regarding your physical body, you can transcend the suffering of ageing and illness. Regarding your heart and mind, once you remove defilements and attain purity through your practice, your original face will be revealed. Your heart will become as clear and empty as a bright mirror, reflecting the infinite reaches of the universe without end.

The Sacred Education at Hsiang Kuang

Regarding your spiritual life, even though this physical body has an end and you will eventually depart from the human world, your spirit does not die. Instead, it will enter the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This lifetime is truly important. As you practise at Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, you must never lose faith in the Buddha or in your own potential, even when you face temporary setbacks, feelings of helplessness, or the challenges of ageing and illness. These are merely passing situations in your journey.

Walking the Path with Humility

When you encounter difficulties in your Body-Mind-Spirit, you must first focus on changing your personality traits. There are always areas that require adjustment, and you must remain humble and modest, keeping an open heart to receive guidance. You must follow the teachings of Namo Amituofo, your teacher, and Practitioner Su to change your ways and engage in diligent practice. Your goal is to save yourself and save all beings, ensuring they are reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. You must shoulder the responsibility of inheriting and spreading the Pure Land teachings. Do not let your chanting of Namo Amituofo, your prostrations, or your recitation of the Sutras be interrupted. Through the combination of self-power arising and the Buddha’s blessings, you will remove defilements and attain purity, reaching the state of Awakening sooner rather than later.

Namo Amituofo