The Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way
The Buddha’s teachings exist within the human world because Shakyamuni Buddha chose to transmit the , thereby setting the wheel of the Dharma in motion. The Buddha’s teachings are the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way; they are the absolute reality of the universe and human life. This is not a phenomenon confined to our Earth alone; it pervades the entire Dharma Realm and empty space, and all phenomena operate according to this fundamental principle. Within this vast expanse, countless causes and effects manifest in infinite forms, playing out across our world, the ten directions, and the entire Dharma Realm, all governed by the laws of and cause and effect.
Most people form their understanding of life based on their immediate environment and personal experiences. In this lifetime, an infinite spirit resides within a finite body. How one chooses to utilise this spirit and this body determines the trajectory of one's existence. Will you merely pass through this life and return to the cycle of reincarnated existence, or will you choose a higher path? Every life is shaped by the heart. Every being possesses a heart, which can function in many ways: as a source of keen awareness, as a physical organ, or as the seat of the soul. Those who are wise and possess true Wisdom, upon encountering the Buddha’s teachings, will never waste a single second, for they understand that every moment is an opportunity to practise and purify their body, mind, and spirit.
The Boundless Capacity of the
The Buddha’s teachings can be extended without limit. However, only those who have reached —the Buddhas—can apply these teachings freely without ever violating the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. They are the ones who inherit the Dharma and use it to save beings. They observe the conditions of the world and respond accordingly, without being restricted by time, space, specific locations, individuals, the boundaries of this world or other realms, or the limitations of any particular star system. Everything is unified within their heart.
This is the reason why the Dharma Body of Practitioner Su can pervade the entire Dharma Realm and empty space to save beings. Such a capacity of mind is boundless, such is inexhaustible, and such Wisdom is immeasurable. Therefore, for Practitioner Su, the Buddha’s teachings are the very source of life. After demonstrating the process of Awakening, Practitioner Su has unfolded the Dharma infinitely, scattering it across the entire Dharma Realm. At every moment, through the Dharma Body, Practitioner Su works to lead beings to rebirth in the , utilising every possible method to spread the Dharma and extend these precious Dharma affinities. Yet, human life is finite. Within this lineage of the Pure Land school, there is a pressing need to find successors. These individuals must undergo rigorous refinement and testing before they can possess the capacity to shoulder the heavy burden of spreading the Dharma through the Dharma Body.
The Necessity of the Pure Land Centre
Only the Dharma Body can transcend the limitations of time and space. Therefore, the boundless number of suffering beings are all potential objects for the Dharma Body to save. This is the vision for the present and the future as seen through the work of Practitioner Su. Within the Pure Land school, we hope to see this development flourish and to see more talented individuals emerge who are capable of spreading the Dharma. To truly save the world, one must reach Awakening; only then can the spirit of the Buddha’s teachings be fully realised.
At this moment, I am still able to dedicate my efforts to this cause. Once the headquarters of the Pure Land Centre is fully established, it will allow more talented practitioners and devotees to enter, ensuring that those with the aspiration to practise and spread the Dharma can be identified and nurtured. It will provide a centralised place for learning, where everyone can be guided by , Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, and the awakened Practitioner Su. Furthermore, one can receive various forms of assistance from the holy assembly of the Western Pure Land. This is a rare and precious opportunity for learning and practice that one should not miss.
A Call to Action for All Practitioners
Under the leadership of Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su, the Pure Land Centre has the unique ability to unite forces from all directions, to lead those who are eager to learn, and to cultivate the future talents who will spread the Pure Land teachings. This is a monumental task, and as a teacher, I must participate in it. To encounter such a significant mission at the end of my life is a great karmic affinity that I must grasp. I must not be absent. I must dedicate my heart and soul, contributing whatever I can, doing as much as is within my power. This is my hope for you.
Today, after my spirit returned to from Practitioner Su, I took the opportunity to share this with my spirit. Because my spirit was at its highest and most refined state of energy, and my awareness was at its clearest, I said: "In truth, I have always been searching for talented individuals to spread the Dharma and carry on the lineage. Regardless of the circumstances, it is clear that the Pure Land Centre has the capability and the conditions to shoulder this heavy responsibility. Fortunately, I am still in this world, and I should do my utmost to assist in the establishment of this Centre. There is no room for hesitation or absence. I can use the reputation I have built over sixty years of giving Dharma talks to call upon those who are dedicated to spreading the Pure Land teachings to join this effort."
"Everything I do is, in reality, to save myself. Only by saving myself can I truly save others. Before one has saved oneself, speaking of saving others is merely empty talk and illusion, for it lacks the solid foundation, the power, and the necessary purity and Goodness. Whether in the construction or the operation of the Centre, everyone must contribute—those with strength should offer their labour, and those with wealth should offer their support. I pray for the Buddha’s to never walk the path of regression again, to never be controlled by the demon crowds, and to never let demon nature manifest. During my remaining time in this world, I will help bring the Pure Land Centre to life."
Upon hearing this, I nodded and told myself: "I hope this heart and this vow will be sustained. Do not let your spirit falter; you must act with positivity and vigour. The sooner you connect with Practitioner Su, the sooner the Centre can be built and its functions realised. This world must be saved, the Earth must be saved, and the suffering beings are waiting for salvation." I understand this clearly. I gathered my strength once more, using all my energy to sit up, and called out for the practitioner to come forward, though they had not yet appeared. It seems that the teacher has the heart and the vow to accomplish this, and I, Li Bingnan, am optimistic about its success.
