The Words of Namo Amituofo: Do Not Forget Your Original Intention

Teachings from Namo Amituofo:

My children, as you walk the path of practice, you have weathered the tempering and trials of time. I ask you to look into your hearts: are you still maintaining your original intention? Are you still wishing to awaken from the dream of samsara and become even more diligent in your practice? Perhaps you entered this path without fully understanding it at the beginning, but now that you see the way clearly, you cherish it more deeply, seizing every day and every moment to advance. Or perhaps, though you have occasionally felt the urge to cast aside your robes and walk away, you have chosen to remain on the path, moving steadily toward the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.

The Refining Fire of Time

Do not forget your original intention. It is a precious thing, for it is the bridge that allows you to transition from the defilements of the worldly realm into the pure heart and actions of a practitioner. This intention must have been born from a profound realisation. Perhaps you knew suffering and sought to leave it behind. Perhaps you were lost in confusion and sought an exit. This is the heart that seeks purity and Goodness, and it is the foundation of your true practice. Once you have entered the path, you must hold fast to your goal and move forward with unwavering focus.

The Precious Seed of Your Original Vow

The Pure Land Dharma Gate is the supreme path for achieving success in this age of the Dharma’s decline. It is based on following the teachings of Namo Amituofo’s Forty-eight Great Vows and the Infinite Life Sutra (The Buddha Speaks the Mahayana, Infinite Life, Adornment, Purity, Impartiality, and Enlightenment Sutra). By following these teachings, you cultivate the desire to chant Namo Amituofo, seek rebirth in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, and rediscover your true self. This is the great method for achieving Buddhahood in this worldly realm.

A Universal Truth Beyond Time and Space

In truth, this path is not limited to the age of the Dharma’s decline in this world. For any practitioner, in any space, at any time, or in any period throughout the vastness of the Dharma Realm, following the teachings of Namo Amituofo’s Forty-eight Great Vows and the Infinite Life Sutra (The Buddha Speaks the Mahayana, Infinite Life, Adornment, Purity, Impartiality, and Enlightenment Sutra) will lead to success. This supreme path to Buddhahood is not confined to one location or one point in time. It pervades the entire Dharma-realm and empty space. It is a universal truth that remains constant and accessible to all who are willing to follow it.

The Compassionate Origin of the Western Pure Land

The vow to save all boundless suffering sentient beings was the original intention of Namo Amituofo when He left His home and renounced all desires to become a monk. Because of this original intention, the Forty-eight Great Vows were established, and through the power of these vows, the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss was created as a fruit of His compassion. I hope that all students of Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre will never forget their original intention. If you walk straight ahead on this path, you will surely reap the rewards of your practice.

Namo Amituofo