The Significance of Opening: Teachings on the Thrice Yearning Ceremony

Words of Namo Amituofo, recorded by Venerable HaiZe on September 18, 2020, regarding the first session of the Thrice Yearning Ceremony.

The Crucible of Spiritual Resolve

When you begin any journey of spiritual practice, you must inevitably pass through various tests. These trials are not meant to hinder you, but to refine your resolve and purify your intentions. Only after you have demonstrated your sincerity and steadfastness can you be truly recognised and permitted to proceed further along the path. Once you have passed these initial hurdles, you will find the strength to move forward with unwavering focus, walking the path straight and true without looking back.

Harmonising with the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way

Since the very beginning of time, the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way have been in constant operation. They are the fundamental laws that govern the existence of all things in the universe. If you align your thoughts, words, and actions with these principles, your life will flow with ease and harmony. Conversely, if you act in opposition to them, you will encounter resistance and suffering. To live with an open and enlightened mind, acting in accordance with the Truth, is to live a life filled with boundless hope and spiritual clarity.

The Noble Footsteps of the Ancestral Masters

The greatness of the ancestral masters lies in their profound Bodhicitta, their unwavering vows, and their diligent practice. It is only through such sincere vows and actions that the path is opened for those who follow. Because they have paved the way, many beings connected by karmic affinity are able to receive the benefits of the Dharma. For those who choose the life of a monastic, this path is a rare and precious treasure. You must cherish every moment of your practice, for it is through this cultivation that you will eventually return to your original nature and reach the sacred ground of the sages.

The Fleeting Moment of Life and Death

When you reach a certain level of attainment, you will see the world with new eyes. You will understand the depth of the challenges you have faced and find resolution for the many sorrows that once clouded your heart. However, you must remember that the warmth or coldness of the path is something only you can know; no one else can walk it for you. The matter of life and death is of the utmost importance, and it can change in a single instant. Do not forget to call upon the name of Namo Amituofo with deep sincerity. By doing so, you enter the most precious of all treasures, fulfilling your deepest vows and securing your rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.