The Urgency of Practice: Seizing the Moment for Awakening

The Call to Immediate Action

What is it that you must do without delay? You must diligently practise to rediscover your true self. This is the most urgent task of your life. Why is this so critical? Because in this very lifetime, you are blessed with the presence of Namo Amituofo, the guidance of your teacher, and the support of Practitioner Su, all gathered here at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. This is a rare and precious convergence of conditions.

The fourfold assembly of disciples now has the genuine opportunity to realise their true nature and achieve rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. You must act now. If you let this lifetime slip away, when will you ever find such a perfect environment again? The time to commit yourself to the path is this very moment.

Resolving the Bonds of the Past

You must also act immediately to resolve your karmic debts. This includes the work of Chao Du, which involves inviting and saving the spirits of your ancestors, teachers, and elders from accumulated lifetimes, as well as your karmic creditors and family members. When these beings receive the benefit of Chao Du, they can enter the Western Land of Dharma Nature, or, through the power of chanting Namo Amituofo, they can be led by Amitabha Buddha to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This is a compassionate duty that cannot be postponed.

The Necessity of Transforming the Self

Furthermore, you must change your personality traits without delay. The habits and ego-driven tendencies that you have accumulated over countless lifetimes are deeply ingrained. To transform these, you require immense strength and the power of your Great Vows. If you do not change your personality in this life, these same traits will follow you into the next. If you encounter challenging circumstances and your old personality manifests, you may create further negative karma. This is truly a tragic waste of your potential.

For those who wish to realise their true nature while practising at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, you have the constant reminders and support of Namo Amituofo, your teacher, and Practitioner Su to help you refine your character. You must work until your ego is dissolved, for only then will you have the opportunity to see your true nature. Your personality is, in itself, a form of dust and filth that obscures your original nature; it is a manifestation of karma. Those who remain attached to their personal ego cannot reach Awakening.

Namo Amituofo is Here

Chant the name of Namo Amituofo with speed and sincerity. The compassionate grace of Amitabha Buddha is truly beyond measure. At this very moment, your compassionate Father, Namo Amituofo, is present here at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. He is here to lead all sentient beings into the light, helping you leave suffering behind and find happiness through the practice of chanting, ultimately ensuring your rebirth in the Western Pure Land.

I urge you all to come to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre and keep the name of Namo Amituofo in your mind with every breath. Do not think that Amitabha Buddha is far away in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. He is right here, close to you, at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. By coming here, you will be bathed in the Buddha’s light and guided toward rebirth in the Western Pure Land. Namo Amituofo.

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