The Wisdom of Vigilance

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

On the twenty-second of June, 2025, Namo Amituofo offered this discourse on the vital importance of maintaining vigilance in our spiritual lives.

The Cycle of Cause and Effect

What does it truly mean to be vigilant? We must understand that every negative cause we plant will inevitably yield a negative consequence. To avoid suffering the bitter fruits of these actions, one must refrain from planting negative causes in the first place. When you observe other beings suffering the consequences of their past actions, experiencing the various pains of existence, you should take this as a warning. Let their suffering serve as a reminder to counsel others to cease their harmful actions and to ensure that you do not create any new karma that will bind you further to this world.

The Sanctuary of Hsiang Kuang

At this very moment, Namo Amituofo abides at Hsiang Kuang, urging all beings to enter the Buddha-land as swiftly as possible. Within this sacred space, Namo Amituofo is able to assist beings in resolving their karmic conflicts and dissolving their spiritual obstacles. Through the power of the Buddha’s blessings, the wishes of sentient beings can be fulfilled. This is the most auspicious time to seek rebirth in the Western Pure Land, for the conditions are perfectly aligned for your liberation.

The Reality of Impermanence

We must acknowledge that impermanence can arrive at any moment. When the suffering of old age and illness descends upon us, we often find that we can no longer control our own bodies or minds. The agony of the Body-Mind-Spirit is a heavy burden to bear. When you face such trials, you must be vigilant. The cycle of rebirth is filled with suffering; it is my sincere wish that all beings can leave this cycle behind and never enter it again.

The Precious Vessel of the Body

In the context of your practice, the importance of this physical body lies in its ability to serve as a vessel to use this temporary body to find the eternal truth. However, because of our individual personalities, we are often driven by the needs and desires of the body or by the momentum of our past karma. This makes it difficult to uphold the Precepts. Sometimes, for the sake of a fleeting moment of pleasure, one may commit various sins. You must be vigilant! You must understand that this human body is not easily obtained. The true value of possessing this body is that it allows you to practise and eventually see your true nature.

The Path of the Great Vehicle

Through the cultivation of Compassion, Joy, and Selfless Giving, your Wisdom will be revealed, and you will gain the capacity to save countless suffering beings. The practice of the Pure Land is not merely about seeking personal liberation or leaving your own suffering behind. If you truly wish to attain Awakening, to realise one's true nature and attain Buddhahood, then you must never forget to arouse the Bodhi mind and single-mindedly recite Namo Amituofo. Only then will there be a time when your vows are fulfilled. This is the essential vow and practice for every practitioner of the Great Vehicle in this world.

Namo Amituofo