The term Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi is a direct transliteration from the Sanskrit, preserved in its original form because the depth and completeness of its meaning are of such vital importance. To show the utmost respect for this profound truth, we retain the original sound, though in Chinese, it is translated as the "Supreme Perfect ." In essence, this is the state of attaining Buddhahood.
The Universal Goal of
Throughout the Ten Directions (of the Realm), across the vast expanse of the Milky Way and within countless other star systems, all sentient beings share a common, ultimate goal: to practise the path, rediscover their true self, and realise their Buddha-nature. Whether a being is aware of the existence of this true self, or whether they possess the opportunity to embark upon the path of practice to reclaim it, depends entirely upon their Causal Conditions and their karmic fortune.
Even in this present age, there are still many beings who remain unaware that they possess this inherent Buddha-nature. They do not know that it is possible to return to this state through diligent practice. It is a tragedy of ignorance that so many wander in the cycle of rebirth without knowing the treasure that lies hidden within their own hearts.
The Beginning of a New Journey
Attaining Buddhahood is the glorious fruit of a practitioner's diligent and sincere efforts. However, one must understand that becoming a Buddha is not the end of the journey; rather, it is the beginning of a new, boundless mission. Once a Buddha is attained, the work of saving all sentient beings and helping them leave suffering behind truly begins in earnest.
If a practitioner follows the vows made by the Buddha during his causal stage—walking the path step by step, according to the truth and the Dharma—every vow will be fulfilled, and they too will attain Buddhahood. Namo Amituofo will always protect and support those who practise according to their vows.
The Promise of the Infinite Life Sutra
Within the Infinite Life Sutra (The Buddha Speaks the , Infinite Life, Adornment, Purity, Impartiality, and Enlightenment Sutra), the term Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi is mentioned in many places, underscoring its central importance. It appears in the very first of the Forty-eight Great Vows. Namo Amituofo promises that even if beings from the Three Evil Realms enter the of Ultimate Bliss, they will receive the Buddha's teachings and transformation, and all will attain Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi.
Namo Amituofo’s hands are always filled with inexhaustible treasures and the adornments of virtue. He provides everything that is needed, offering the most supreme gifts to benefit and bring to all sentient beings. Because of this, countless beings are inspired to arouse the Bodhi mind and single-mindedly recite Namo Amituofo. Those who are reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss will never retreat from the path to Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi, and they are destined to attain this supreme state.
The Path to Buddhahood
The Infinite Life Sutra (The Buddha Speaks the Mahayana, Infinite Life, Adornment, Purity, Impartiality, and Enlightenment Sutra) also warns us that because some beings did not hear this supreme Dharma, a billion Bodhisattvas retreated from the path to Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi. From this, we can clearly understand that the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss is the supreme Buddha-land where one is guaranteed to attain Buddhahood. This is the fundamental vow of Namo Amituofo.
Therefore, you must arouse the Bodhi mind and single-mindedly recite Namo Amituofo. Those who sincerely call upon the great name of Namo Amituofo, who make a genuine vow to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, and who practise with diligence, will receive the protection and of Namo Amituofo and all the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. This is a teaching that is difficult to hear and difficult to believe, yet it is the most direct path to liberation.
It is the sincere hope of Namo Amituofo that all beings may dwell in the environment of the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, where they can leave all suffering behind, experience all forms of joy, and perfect the fruit of Buddhahood. This is the fulfilment of the fundamental vow of Namo Amituofo.
