The Teachings of Teacher-Practitioner Xia Lianju on Chao Du

Teachings from Teacher-Practitioner Xia Lianju, recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

The Vastness of the Spiritual Realm

The sky is vast and boundless, stretching out into infinity. White clouds drift gracefully across this expanse, but these are not merely water vapour. These clouds are composed of countless spirits—an immeasurable and boundless number of beings dwelling within the clouds. Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre holds the Thrice Yearning Ceremony. Namo Amituofo is the one who leads the ceremony. His golden body is majestic and radiates brilliant light. I, Teacher-Practitioner Xia Lianju, sit in the centre of this assembly to observe the proceedings.

The Power of Compassionate Chao Du

Practitioner Su manifests his Dharma Body to lead the assembly in following Namo Amituofo. Through his countless manifestations, he performs Chao Du for an uncountable number of beings, including those dwelling within the clouds. The assembly is vast, and the scope of this Chao Du is truly profound:

• Sentient and non-sentient beings:
• All are included in this great act of compassion.Small creatures:
• Those that fly, crawl, or wriggle are saved.Transformation: They shed their animal and insect forms, returning to their original nature to enter the human and heavenly realms.

Subduing the Shadows

Suddenly, dark clouds appear, covering the blue sky. These are the demon crowds. They have come to seek Chao Du from the Buddha, and they surrender to Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su. Some of these demon crowds attempt to attack Practitioner Su and the fourfold assembly with their magic. However, the Twelve Lights descend to subdue them. The Buddha and the Buddha-light appear before them. The demons enter the light to receive Chao Du. The clouds themselves enter the light and are sent to the Western Land of Dharma Nature.

Returning to the Pure Land

The golden light reappears in the sky, and the blue sky is once again boundless and infinite. Thin layers of clouds drift by, representing the heavenly beings and deities. They chant the Buddha's name, seeking Chao Du from the Buddha. Namo Amituofo fulfills their wishes, performing Chao Du for countless beings and allowing them to enter the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Namo Amituofo.