The Wisdom of Namo Amituofo: The Metaphor of the Running Light

The Endless Cycle of the Running Light

Consider the scrolling lights—the running lights—that we see in our daily lives. They spin and cycle endlessly, never stopping. People often believe they are in control of when these lights turn on or off, yet this is a mere illusion. This is exactly like the beings trapped within the six realms of existence. We are driven by the force of our karma, which acts as the true master of our movements. We are caught in a cycle where we cannot stop when we wish to stop, and we cannot move when we wish to move. When can one truly become the master of one's own destiny? Only through diligent practice and the attainment of deep meditative concentration can one realise one's true self. Once you have reached this state of awakening, you are no longer turned by the force of your karma. You become capable of moving or stopping at will, free from the relentless cycle. Do not allow yourself to be like the running light, unable to govern your own path and unaware of the suffering that binds you.

Transforming the Worldly into the Sacred

The running light is a common sight in this world, often used for decorations, public announcements, or commercial advertisements. However, if we can apply this concept to the world beyond our own, we should use it to remind all people to chant Namo Amituofo. When the words 'Always chant Namo Amituofo' appear on a scrolling display, they spin and cycle without pause. When people see these words, the image enters their eyes and reaches their consciousness. If they then chant the name aloud, it enters their ears. Once the Buddha-name enters the ear, it becomes a seed of the Dharma that will last forever.

Opening Dimensions Through the Buddha-Name

If a true practitioner chants Namo Amituofo with a focused mind, they can open up different dimensions of space. They can counsel the beings trapped within the cycle of the running light to chant Namo Amituofo and seek rebirth in the Western Pure Land. When these dimensions are opened, the beings within can hear the Dharma, and they will develop the wish to chant the Buddha-name and travel to the Western Land. As the sound of 'Namo Amituofo' is chanted continuously, Namo Amituofo hears their call and receives them into the Western Pure Land. Today, Namo Amituofo abides at Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. Here, all infinite spaces can be seen, and there is no obstruction of time. What can be seen is truly countless. By chanting the Buddha-name, we open the dimensions for all beings. They hear the Buddha-name, naturally listen to the Dharma, and come to understand the path of chanting and rebirth in the Western Pure Land. As the name of Namo Amituofo is chanted, the Buddha-light shines everywhere, awakening all beings so that they may be saved and reborn in the Western Pure Land.

Awakening from the Illusion of Samsara

The running light is much like our journey through this world, spinning and cycling without end. Our joys, angers, sorrows, and happiness are all contained within this movement. As we continue to spin, we are pulled back into the cycle of rebirth. The fourfold assembly (monks, nuns, laymen, laywomen) must awaken to the truth that leaving this world is not an easy task. You must be cautious and refuse to be controlled by these external forces. If your thoughts are constantly spinning, you will find it difficult to escape these dimensions. It will be hard to maintain a clear mind, hard to chant the Buddha-name, and hard to diligently practise to see your true self. When you follow your own personality and allow anger to arise, your karma will pull you back into this world, back into the cycle of the running light. You will be trapped once more in the cycle of birth, aging, sickness, death. If you fail to purify your mind and fail to chant the Buddha-name, you will drift further away from the Western Pure Land and further away from the Buddha. When will you have the chance to encounter Namo Amituofo again? Namo Amituofo.