The Western Dharma-Nature Land of Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre

A Sacred Mandate from Namo Amituofo

Following the compassionate instructions of Namo Amituofo, I, Ashvaghosha, offer these teachings and guidance to the sentient beings and Bodhisattvas residing within the Western Dharma-Nature Land of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. I hold the Buddha’s mandate with the utmost reverence and sincerity, never daring to forget it for even a single moment. I shall fulfil this duty to the very best of my ability.

The Western Dharma-Nature Land is the sanctuary for all the beings saved by Practitioner Su of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. It serves as a vital stepping stone for those destined for the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Every being who enters this sacred space is guaranteed the opportunity to be reborn in the Western Pure Land. This is because the Western Dharma-Nature Land was established through the profound vow of Practitioner Su, with the direct support and blessing of Namo Amituofo.

A Sanctuary for All Beings

The beings residing within this Dharma-Nature Land share a deep karmic affinity with Practitioner Su, as well as with the Venerables and lay practitioners of the temple. These beings come from all corners of existence, regardless of where they were originally saved. They include:

• Sentient beings from this world and beyond, spanning the vastness of the galaxy and the ten directions of the Dharma Realm.
• Spirits from across the Earth, including those from Taiwan and every other region.
• The smallest of entities, such as the microscopic particles of dust and soil, and even the tiny specks of matter floating in the air.
• The karmic creditors, family members, and ancestors of the fourfold assembly of disciples at the temple, as well as those who participate in the Dharma assemblies.
• Attached spirits, and various deities such as the spirits of the wind, land, water, and mountains.
• Lonely wandering spirits who have no one to offer them prayers or sacrifices.

As long as these beings have a karmic connection and have been blessed by Practitioner Su through the act of taking refuge and the sounding of the great bell, they are welcomed into the Dharma-Nature Land as members of this sacred community.

The Lotus Home and the Path to Liberation

The mind-capacity of Practitioner Su is boundless, and therefore, the Western Dharma-Nature Land is equally infinite. Within this realm, there are no limitations of time or space, and there is no distinction between self and others. Although everyone resides together in this land, each being remains independent, dwelling within their own individual lotus flower. This lotus serves as the home for each being, and it is secured by a lock.

This lock must be opened before one can depart from the Dharma-Nature Land. To open the lock, a being must make a sincere vow to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Once this vow is made, the lotus will open, and the being can immediately proceed to the Western Pure Land. Before making this vow, however, beings enjoy great freedom within their lotus homes. It is a place of light, stillness, purity, and coolness—a truly magnificent environment.

Restoration and the Grace of the Buddha

In the Western Dharma-Nature Land, there is no trace of the Three Evil Realms—the hells, the realm of hungry ghosts, or the animal realm. If a being who previously suffered in these lower realms enters the Dharma-Nature Land, they are immediately restored to their original, pristine human form. They appear whole and perfect, free from the suffering, disabilities, or injuries they endured in their past lives. They are dressed in clean, dignified clothing.

Whether a being wishes for their family to be reunited, for their past losses to be compensated, or for their original state of being to be restored, Practitioner Su fulfils these wishes with compassion. Whatever is promised by Practitioner Su manifests within this land, allowing all beings to find peace and equality of heart.

The Daily Lesson of Awakening

Just as in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, all the spirits here can listen to the Dharma talks given by Practitioner Su. Through these teachings, they come to understand the reality of the Western Pure Land, the profound nature of the Buddha’s teachings, and the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. They realise that the suffering they endured in the past was merely an illusion. Consequently, they develop a deep weariness for the cycle of rebirth and make a firm vow to be reborn in the Western Pure Land.

This is the daily lesson for the beings in the Dharma-Nature Land. Every being must listen to the Dharma. As long as they make the vow, the lock on their lotus will open, and they will have the opportunity to be reborn in the Western Pure Land at any time. This opportunity is reinforced daily through the Dharma Body of Practitioner Su during the morning Chao Du, or weekly during the Thrice Yearning Ceremonies.

The Importance of Dharma Education

The Dharma-Nature Land is a Buddha-land, serving as a supportive environment for all beings. While it treats every spirit with absolute equality, each being still carries the habits, personal ego, and selfishness they developed during their time in the six realms of rebirth or the Four Sacred Realms. Because their roots, thoughts, and levels of understanding differ, their readiness to be reborn in the Western Pure Land varies. Some have resided here since the land was first established, while others have arrived only recently. It is truly inconceivable that beings from the human world can reach such a magnificent Buddha-land.

In this land, I provide guidance tailored to the specific needs of each spirit. I teach them about the laws of karma and cause and effect, the suffering of the six realms of rebirth, the rarity of encountering Namo Amituofo, the impermanence of the eight sufferings, and the necessity to see through and let go of their attachments. These are the urgent issues that beings need to resolve. The Buddha’s teachings are boundless and capable of fulfilling the wishes of all beings. While many still struggle to let go of their emotional entanglements, family ties, or the trauma of their past suffering, the beauty of the Dharma-Nature Land helps to fade these attachments. Many beings find their grievances resolved, and some even weep with gratitude upon finally understanding the truth.

Regardless of when or where, sentient beings are in desperate need of the Buddha’s education. It is the only way to prevent many unfortunate and regrettable events. Therefore, the work of spreading the Pure Land teachings and cultivating those who can propagate the Dharma is of the utmost importance. This requires a long-term vision and the dedication of those who have both the vow and the strength to carry this mission forward. This is the noble work that Practitioner Su is currently undertaking.

Recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.