Bid farewell to the darkness, for the rising sun is ascending. The sun rises from the east, casting its brilliant light upon the earth. It brings a new vitality, a new atmosphere, and a new hope to all who witness it. Every morning, when you see the sun rising, you are witnessing the start of a new day. You should feel deep gratitude in your heart that you are still alive, dwelling within the light of this world.
Many people live in darkness, even when the sun is bright and the world is full of life. They may hear the birds singing and smell the fragrance of flowers, yet their hearts remain closed and their spirits joyless. When you wake up from your sleep, you should be profoundly grateful that your breath still flows. Consider the fragility of life:
How many people pass away in their sleep, when the breath stops, and are suddenly separated from this world?
They cannot take any worldly possessions with them.
They carry only the heavy weight of their accumulated into their next life.
Because of this, you must cherish the fact that you are still here, breathing and capable of practice. It is a blessing to be alive.
The Inner Light of the Practitioner
For those who have attained the state of and dedicate their lives entirely to the benefit of all beings, they are unaffected by the cycles of day or night. Whether it is the brightness of the day or the darkness of the night, their hearts remain filled with a brilliant, unwavering light. This light of the heart is even more powerful than the sun, for it illuminates the darkest nights of samsara.
The path of practice must be walked with steady, firm steps. With a heart of no-self, forgetting the ego, one only wishes to save all beings from suffering and lead them to rebirth in the . This heart is truly precious; it is the most magnificent practice of this life. It is a commitment to the Truth that transcends the limitations of the physical body.
The Infinite Light of
The Infinite Life Sutra records the Thirteenth Vow of Namo Amituofo, known as the Vow of Infinite Light: "Infinite Light, illuminating the ten directions, surpassing all other Buddhas. It is millions of times brighter than the sun and the moon." This light is not merely physical; it is the light of wisdom and that penetrates the deepest layers of our ignorance.
At this moment, Namo Amituofo is residing here at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Goombungee, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia. This centre is the Pure Land on earth, a precious place for rebirth in the Western Pure Land. The light of Namo Amituofo shines across the heavens, and the Buddha-name resonates in the air, calling out to all who are ready to listen.
A Sanctuary for Rebirth
Sentient beings and celestial beings rejoice upon seeing the Buddha-light and hearing the Buddha-name. They come to Hsiang Kuang, join the assembly in chanting, and receive the Buddha's guidance to be led to the Western Pure Land. To achieve this, you must commit yourself to the practice:
Chant Namo Amituofo all the way, without hesitation or doubt.
When your practice reaches the point where your mind is unified and the principles are clear, the Buddha-name will continue without interruption.
By maintaining this continuous connection, you will be able to enter the Western Pure Land directly from Hsiang Kuang.
Let your heart be the rising sun that never sets. Keep the Buddha-name in your mind, and let the light of Namo Amituofo guide you home. Namo Amituofo.
