The Role of the Deliverer in Chao Du
Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju
Third Session of the Thrice Yearning Ceremony, 12 May 2019
The Fleeting Nature of Existence
Life within the six realms of existence passes by in the blink of an eye. It is a hurried journey, yet it is only through the precious human body that one has the unique opportunity to change their path. Every path in this cycle of rebirth eventually reaches an end. When that time arrives, one’s destiny is determined by the one has accumulated, leading to the next cycle of rebirth.
When life concludes, we seek deliverance through the Buddha and the . Family members naturally yearn for their departed loved ones to leave suffering behind and find peace. However, the efficacy of this process depends entirely on the practitioner who leads the ceremony.
The Vital Role of the Deliverer
The practitioner who leads the ceremony holds a position of profound importance. We must ask: does this individual possess the necessary merit and virtue to truly assist the spirits? To be an effective deliverer, one must:
- Accumulate merit and virtue without ceasing, ensuring their own practice remains pure.
- Maintain a heart of deep , feeling the weight of the suffering endured by all sentient beings.
- Cultivate a great vow that expands their vision, allowing them to see beyond the immediate and into the needs of the spirit world.
- Hold a sincere wish that all sentient beings may attain true liberation.
Without these qualities, where are the spirits truly being led? If the guidance is not aligned with the Truth, they may simply continue to wander, caught in the endless cycle of the six realms of existence.
The Magnificent Path of Chao Du at Hsiang Kuang
Is there a way to guide them to the of Ultimate Bliss? The Chao Du performed At Hsiang Kuang: A Sacred Sanctuary is truly magnificent. This is because Namo Amituofo truly abides here, serving as the foundation of the ceremony. Practitioner Su, an awakened being, follows the guidance of the Buddha, acting as a bridge for the spirits.
When the good roots, , and Causal Conditions are all complete, the spirits are successfully led to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. The merit generated by such a deliverance is immeasurable and beyond calculation. We must cherish this human life deeply, for it is the only vessel through which we can secure such a profound outcome for ourselves and for those who have passed on.
Recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.
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Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library