The Urgency of Awakening

Recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

On the sixteenth of May, 2025, during the noon offering, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju provided these profound teachings on the importance of acting with urgency in our practice.

The Preciousness of Our Fleeting Life

Our lives are inherently limited and fleeting. We must act with urgency to make the most of our time. We use this temporary, illusory body to cultivate the true, eternal nature. Do not let your time slip away in hesitation or idleness. We are incredibly fortunate to have the presence of Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su here at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. This is a rare and precious opportunity for you to see your true nature.

If you have not yet realised your true nature, consider this: when your final breath leaves your body, all worldly concerns will cease. How can you be certain that you will encounter Namo Amituofo at that critical moment? You must awaken your compassion immediately. Compassion is the very foundation for saving suffering beings.

The Path of Compassion and Self-Salvation

You must first save yourself by purifying your own heart and mind before you can effectively save the infinite beings who are waiting for your help. With so many beings connected to us by karmic affinity waiting for salvation, how can we bear to act only for our own benefit? You must seize this moment to save all those with whom you share a karmic connection. Treasure the time you have while you still possess this human body.

Cherish your blessings and your time. Do not wait until your blessings are exhausted or your time has slipped away. Do not let the moments pass by, only to look back later with regret. It is not right to let time pass without purpose, for once it is gone, no amount of regret can bring it back.

Accumulating Merit at Hsiang Kuang

Namo Amituofo truly abides at Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. This is the time to accumulate merit and virtue. Do as much as you can, and do it with a sincere heart, without complaint. Saving beings is as urgent as putting out a fire. Remember, you are also one of these beings in need of salvation. Make your vow to reach the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss now. Come forward and prostrate to the Buddha with a sincere heart.

Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is the beacon of hope for all people and spirits. We all share the same aspiration: to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. When you make this your true goal, your wishes will be fulfilled because Namo Amituofo is here. Practitioner Su follows closely by the side of the Buddha, leading all beings toward the Western Pure Land. The fourfold assembly of disciples at Hsiang Kuang follows this path, walking alongside the Buddha, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, and Practitioner Su. Namo Amituofo.