Teachings from , recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.
July 9, 2022.
The Profound Transition to the Western Land
To speak of rebirth is to speak of a profound transition. It signifies the moment a practitioner finally breaks free from the endless cycle of the six realms of rebirth. It is the journey of the spirit as it departs from this world of suffering to arrive at the of Ultimate Bliss. When we refer to those who have attained this state, we are speaking of individuals who have successfully transcended the cycle of samsara to dwell in the presence of Namo Amituofo.
The Swift Journey on the Lotus Platform
For those who sincerely vow to be reborn in the West, the path is illuminated by the Forty-eight Great Vows. As I have promised, if a person at the moment of their passing can maintain a sincere heart and chant my name, Namo Amituofo, even for just ten moments, I will hear them. I will immediately arrive at the place where they are chanting, bringing with me the lotus flower that has been nurtured by their own daily practice of chanting Namo Amituofo. I will lead the practitioner onto the lotus platform and guide them directly into the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
This process is incredibly swift. It occurs within a single thought, in the blink of an eye. However, this requires absolute focus and a heart that is entirely sincere. If there is even a fraction of a stray thought, or if the mind becomes distracted, the opportunity for rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss may be lost.
The Peril of a Wandering Mind
Throughout history, many great patriarchs and venerable masters have dedicated their lives to diligent practice. Yet, even for them, the moment of passing is a critical test. If, when Namo Amituofo arrives to guide them, their mind wanders, if they become attached to other thoughts, or if they lose their focus, they may miss this golden opportunity. Therefore, those who chant Namo Amituofo today must not be careless.
Do not assume that because the name of Namo Amituofo is easy to recite, you can neglect your daily preparation. You must learn to let go of all worldly attachments while you are still healthy and active. This is essential to avoid interference from your at the time of death. These karmic creditors may manifest as:
Family members you are deeply attached to.
Material possessions you find difficult to release.
Past grievances that still weigh upon your heart.
If you allow these attachments to pull at your mind, you may forget to chant the Buddha-name, thereby severing your connection to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. If this happens, your daily practice may only be enough to secure a rebirth in the human or heavenly realms, where you will have to wait for a future life to continue your journey toward the Pure Land.
Cultivating the Diamond Seeds of
Practitioners of the Pure Land path should always maintain the sincere vow to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Those who possess firm Faith, Vows, and Practice do so because they understand that the Pure Land offers a way to:
Leave the six realms of rebirth behind forever.
Find liberation from the fear of birth, aging, sickness, and death.
Combine their own efforts with the power of the Buddha's .
Be embraced by the compassionate vows of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.
Those who successfully attain rebirth must have accumulated sufficient good roots, blessings, and Causal Conditions. They must have established a connection with Namo Amituofo in their past lives. The Buddha-name is a diamond seed of Bodhi. Once it enters the ear, it becomes a permanent seed of the path. As long as you have heard the six-character name of Namo Amituofo, even just once in this life or a past life, this diamond seed is planted within your . It will eventually be watered, mature, and bear fruit, leading you to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss to attain Buddhahood.
This is the skillful means that I have provided for all suffering beings who have nowhere else to turn. It is the way to help you find the ultimate place of rest, where you will experience Infinite Life and Infinite Light. Namo Amituofo.
