The State of Being Before and After Encountering the Buddha
Teachings from Namo Amituofo
Recorded by Venerable HaiZe during the Thrice Yearning Ceremony, 23 August 2020
The Wandering Soul in the Void
During the , Namo Amituofo offers His profound teachings to all beings. These words serve as a beacon of light for those wandering in the darkness of ignorance, providing a path to leave suffering behind and find true liberation. We must reflect deeply upon the state of our hearts and minds, for it is here that the seeds of our future are sown. Before one encounters the Buddha, one is often trapped in a state of profound confusion. This is the condition of those who have not yet found the right path:
- Those who are stripped of the understanding of the laws of and cause and effect, failing to see how their actions shape their reality.
- Those who do not believe in the infinite of Namo Amituofo.
- Those who do not believe in the existence of the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, closing their hearts to the possibility of a higher realm.
- Those who do not believe in their own true self, remaining tethered to their perceived limitations.
- Those who are reincarnated in the cycle of rebirth yet do not know the nature of their own suffering.
- Those who have passed away but do not realise they are deceased, remaining attached to the world they have left behind.
- Those who are trapped within the limitations of space, unable to find a way to transcend their current state.
- Those who are filled with doubt, and those who desperately seek an exit for liberation but cannot find the way.
These are the many states of being for those who have not yet encountered the Buddha. They wander in the shadows, waiting for the light of wisdom to guide them home.
The Radiant of the True Self
When one finally encounters the Buddha, the entire trajectory of one's existence changes. This is a moment of profound significance, reserved for those who have cultivated the necessary conditions for awakening:
- They are those with tremendous blessing, for meeting the Buddha marks the beginning of their true journey.
- They are those who can find their true self and finally attain liberation from the cycle of rebirth.
- They are those who can place absolute faith in Namo Amituofo and the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.
- They are those who know suffering and, through this understanding, learn how to leave suffering behind.
- They are those whose vows to reach the Western Land are fulfilled as they wish, as their aspirations align with the Buddha's light.
- They are those who deeply believe in the laws of karma and cause and effect, and who gather their body and mind in focused practice.
- They are those who vow to see their true nature and ultimately succeed in realising their true nature.
May all beings cherish this opportunity to encounter the Buddha, for it is the key to unlocking the infinite potential within our own hearts. Let us practise with diligence, faith, and sincerity, ensuring that we do not let this precious life pass in vain. Namo Amituofo.
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Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
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