Welcoming New Arrivals to the Pure Land

The Karmic Threads That Lead Us Home

Regardless of where you come from, the language you speak, the script you use, or the faith you hold, once you step into the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, you have arrived because of the causes you planted in the past and the conditions that have now matured. You have been drawn to this sacred Buddha-land by the invisible threads of karma and Causal Conditions.

These conditions may manifest in many different ways. You might have been brought here by:

• A desire to connect with other people.
• A specific task or project that required your attention.
• An interest in the physical beauty of the grounds or the architecture.
• A need to participate in gardening or environmental care.
• A simple invitation to share a meal.

No matter the reason for your arrival, you have been guided here by the power of your past connections. This is truly magnificent. By entering this space, you have planted the Vajra Seed of the holy name of Namo Amituofo into your ear-root, ensuring that it will become the fruit of your future path to enlightenment.

Planting the Indestructible Vajra Seed

When you enter this environment, the beings residing within your body also witness the brilliant light of the Buddha. They are filled with joy as they enter this light to receive Chao Du, which is a great blessing for all of them. The way these Causal Conditions unfold is truly inconceivable.

We hope that all new arrivals will hold firmly to the holy name of Namo Amituofo. By doing so, you can dissolve karma and clear away the obstacles that hinder your progress. Our Buddha is filled with compassion; the goal is to save as many beings as possible. We are actively engaged in the work of saving beings, reaching out to them whenever the conditions and opportunities arise.

The Sacred Greeting of Namo Amituofo

Once you enter the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, our greeting to you is always Namo Amituofo. When you offer this greeting, you should speak it aloud so that the other person can hear the Buddha-name and let it enter their ear-root. You should also teach others how to chant Buddha's name, whether it is done aloud, in a whisper, or silently within the heart.

Regardless of the method of chanting, the most important thing is to have the Buddha in your heart. You must ensure that every single syllable of the Buddha-name is clearly articulated from the heart, passing through the lips, and entering back into the heart through the ears. If you practise in this way, continuously and without interruption, the holy name of Namo Amituofo will flow like a steady, unbroken stream.

A Gift That Lasts Throughout Eternity

Allowing the Buddha-name to enter the ear-root and teaching others to chant Buddha's name is the highest form of hospitality we can offer to those who are new. This is a gift that will be of use to you throughout your many lives, without end. Whether it is in this present life, the next life, or in the distant future, this Vajra Seed will eventually encounter the right conditions to be watered, to sprout, and to grow into full maturity.

This is the moment when you will be saved, achieve rebirth in the Western Pure Land, and finally attain Buddhahood. Recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

Namo Amituofo