The Thunderous Call to Awaken

Words of Namo Amituofo, recorded by Venerable HaiZe.

July 3, 2022.

The Alarm of the Dharma

What is this sound that echoes like thunder, ringing out again and again? It is the alarm clock, vibrating through the entire hall, demanding your attention. It vows not to cease until it has roused everyone, yet the person in the dream remains fast asleep, lost in the illusions of the mind. Once one has fallen into the deep slumber of ignorance, it is incredibly difficult to wake up.

The Call of the Morning Service

Fortunately, there is the sound of the wooden board in the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. Each strike of the board is a call of Namo Amituofo. Every single sound is the name of Namo Amituofo, urging those lost in dreams to wake up quickly. The time for the morning service is approaching, and the doors are closing. It is already 2:15 in the morning! How can one still be lying in bed? This illusory body is still unaware and has not yet awakened.

The Path to True Awakening

To be truly awake means to be engaged in the diligent practice of the morning service. It is through this that we elevate our spirits and see our true nature more clearly. If you wish to achieve the purification of the body, heart, and spirit, following the rules is the fundamental requirement. If you fail to follow the rules and instead commit transgressions, your physical body will be the first to suffer the consequences. You may find yourself struck by the staff of the Dharma protectors, yet you remain drowsy, trapped in the pain of the flesh.

A Call to Diligent Practice

My children, you must make good use of this body, heart, and spirit. Do not allow your karma to manifest or your karmic creditors to arise. This is what it means to engage in diligent practice. Continue to move forward, continue to progress, and you will see a world of difference. Namo Amituofo.