The Vital Importance of Unwavering Diligence

Words of Namo Amituofo, recorded by Venerable HaiZe on February 18, 2023.

In this world, before a person has successfully transformed their karma, every aspect of their life unfolds within the laws of karma and cause and effect. We are often bound by the weight of our past actions, yet there is a force that can alter this trajectory: the power of a sincere vow.

The Power of Vows and Breaking Through Karma

Where there is a vow, there is power. Whether a vow can be truly realised and how much influence it will have on your life depends entirely on your ability to break through the heavy layers of your existing karma. If you can break through these barriers, you will be able to open up new possibilities and vitality in your practice. However, if you cannot break through, your vow will remain difficult to fulfil. You will continue to be a being governed by karma, subject to the inevitable cycle of birth, aging, sickness, and death.

This is why making a vow is so precious. Yet, how many practitioners fail to realise their vows? They bow their heads to the forces of birth, aging, sickness, death, and the laws of karma and cause and effect. They feel defeated and lose their initial resolve. Conversely, there are practitioners who are brave enough to break through these obstacles. By walking firmly on the righteous path and the Buddha's path, and by receiving the Buddha's blessings, they are able to bring their vows to fruition.

The Mission of the Fourfold Community

Buddhist education requires individuals who possess such correct knowledge and correct views. Only then can the teachings be effectively spread throughout the world. As students of Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, you are among those who carry this responsibility. You should contribute your efforts according to your capacity:

• If you can offer one portion of your heart and strength, then offer that one portion.
• If you can offer two portions of your heart and strength, then offer those two portions.
• You may act according to your circumstances and your capacity, or you may choose to give your absolute best effort.

A Rare and Precious Spiritual Connection

For the students of Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, this Dharma affinity is magnificent and rare. You must not slacken in your efforts. You must practise with diligence and seize every moment to achieve progress for yourself, eventually reaching the state of an awakened being. This is the greatest compassion you can show to yourself and to all beings.

As a practitioner, even if your spiritual obstacles manifest and you are suffering from the pain of aging and sickness, you must remember two things: your heart of faith in the Buddha must never retreat, and your practice of chanting Namo Amituofo must never be slackened or altered. If you are currently free from sickness and suffering, you must be even more vigilant and not slacken. Regardless of your current state, if you hold a sincere vow, you can break through your present situation and take another step forward. For those suffering from aging and sickness, this diligence can help to halt the progression of these conditions. For those who are currently healthy and free from suffering, you should be even more humble and modest. Do not slacken, but continue to move forward in your diligent practice. This is the true conduct of a child of the Buddha.

Namo Amituofo