The True Purpose of Our Learning: Teachings from National Master Xianshou

The Illusion of Worldly Pursuits

On the 22nd of September, 2017, we had the honour of conducting our third interview with National Master Xianshou. He began by reflecting on the nature of human existence and the common path that most people follow throughout their lives. We spend our days learning various skills, believing that this is the fundamental purpose of our existence. We work tirelessly to secure our livelihood, to provide for our families, and to ensure the well-being of our spouses and children.

Day by day, we watch our children grow, while our parents gradually age. We walk through life alongside our partners, often caught in the momentum of daily routines. Yet, when we finally pause to look at our lives, we often find that we have reached old age. Our hair has turned white, our teeth have become loose, and we find ourselves lacking the strength to continue learning or the heart to manage household affairs. At such a moment, one must ask: what should be done?

When you find yourself in this state, with only a faint breath remaining, you must turn your heart toward the Buddha. This is the perfect time to chant Namo Amituofo. The Causal Conditions are ripe, and the opportunity for rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss is at hand. You must let go of all worldly attachments and hold firmly to the name of Namo Amituofo. Do not let go, for this is your only hope for true liberation.

The Endless Cycle of Samsara

For the young students who are currently engaged in school education, you are taught to acquire vast knowledge and diverse skills. You believe that this learning is necessary to find a job and build a family in this world. However, you may not realise that throughout your many lives, you have been doing exactly this, over and over again. You have been wandering in the cycle of reincarnation, feeling lonely, helpless, and filled with anxiety.

You pursue your desires, yet you find it difficult to be the master of your own life. You are trapped in the cycle of birth, aging, sickness, and death, suffering through the endless cycle of reincarnation. Even if you are fortunate enough to be reborn with a human body in your next life, you will simply repeat this same pattern. Why must you go through this again? You must quickly awaken to the truth. The time to chant Namo Amituofo is now, for the conditions are perfect. Let go of everything, hold onto the Buddha-name, and do not let go.

The Path of the Awakened Practitioner

Do not cling to your emotions or the memories of the past, for the past is already gone! You must diligently move forward to find your true self. If you do this, why should you worry about rebirth in the Western Pure Land? You must also strive to save all beings, helping them to resolve their confusion so that they may join you in this practice. Together, we can chant the name of Namo Amituofo, study the teachings of the Pure Land, and walk together toward the West.

As students of Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, you wear the robes of the Dharma, and your appearance is not that of an ordinary person. You are the children of Namo Amituofo. Therefore, you must work even harder. Every second is precious; use your time wisely and perform good deeds, never letting a moment pass in vain. You must understand that when you awaken even a little, the beings around you will receive great benefits because you are able to propagate the Dharma widely.

• When you awaken one part: You benefit many beings through your ability to spread the teachings.
• When you awaken two parts: The benefits multiply, as you help others to save even more beings.
• When you reach full Awakening: All principles become clear, and all your actions will be successful.

The Universal Reach of the Dharma

The propagation of the Pure Land Dharma is not limited to the temple grounds. It can be done anywhere and at any time. As long as you keep the name of Namo Amituofo in your heart, you will never be separated from your true self. You must propagate the name of Namo Amituofo to everyone you meet. Do not abandon a single person, whether they are humans, animals, or even the smallest insects. Whether they have a karmic connection with you or not, they are all beings you are meant to save.

Whether it is today or in the future, the name of Namo Amituofo in your mouth and the Buddha-vow in your heart will eventually manifest. This very place can become the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. What I, National Master Xianshou, have said is for those who have the karmic affinity to hear it. I hope that those who listen will believe and accept these words. Even if you hear these teachings now and do not fully grasp them, the seeds have been planted for your future lives.

The Urgency of Our Time

The Pure Land teachings are difficult to encounter, and the name of Namo Amituofo is becoming increasingly rare to hear. Especially for people today, who are surrounded by advanced technology and constant sensory distractions, the body and mind are often tied to external affairs. You place great importance on external appearances, yet you remain completely indifferent to the most important matter of all: the cycle of birth, aging, sickness, and death. You do not take it to heart.

Instead, you focus on human conflicts, emotional entanglements, and petty rivalries. You only see the affairs of the present moment and the concerns of others. You believe that the cycle of reincarnation has nothing to do with you. You treat these various delusions as normal and real, failing to realise that impermanence is already right before your eyes. When time passes, you will grow old, lose your human body, and lose the chance to hear the Dharma again.

Your good fortune will fade, and the consequences of your actions will manifest in your own body. How are your Six Roots? Look at your past lives. Look at the laws of karma and cause and effect. No one can tell you whether you will be able to receive the Pure Land teachings again; you must experience the results yourself. Your spirit is precious and irreplaceable. Whatever you experience is recorded in your Alaya consciousness, and it will remain there forever unless you transform your karma. Only by reaching Awakening, transforming your consciousness into wisdom, can you achieve true liberation.

In this life, whatever you have learned can be put to good use. You must learn how to transform your knowledge, your language, your technology, and your media skills to propagate the Pure Land Dharma. This is something that was not possible in ancient times, but it is common today. To pass on the Pure Land lineage and spread the great teachings without violating the original intention of Namo Amituofo requires a wise, awakened, and capable person. Students of Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre must take this responsibility upon your shoulders. Live your life with effort, and act with determination. You will be protected in knowing when to act and when to stop. What I have said is meant to bring you peace. Within these words lie many meanings. If there is further affinity, I will continue to speak on these matters in the future. Namo Amituofo.