Welcoming the Light

The Universal Beacon of Light

Light is something that all sentient beings naturally yearn for. It is a beacon that spirits are drawn to, and they find great comfort in drawing near to it. When we speak of light in the context of our spiritual journey, we are referring to the radiance that emanates from both the body and the heart. The intensity, clarity, and colour of this light are not fixed; they shift and change in accordance with the state of our heart at any given moment.

The Heart as a Compass

The brightness or darkness within our heart determines the direction our spirit will take. These different states of the heart correspond to different levels of existence and different dimensions within the vastness of the Dharma Realm. When the heart is clouded by confusion or negativity, the light dims, leading the spirit into darker realms. Conversely, when the heart is clear and pure, it radiates a light that guides the spirit toward higher, more refined spaces.

The Radiance of Compassion and Wisdom

Light is a profound symbol of hope and energy. It embodies the very essence of compassion and wisdom, providing both warmth and illumination to those who are lost. For Buddhas and those who have realised their true nature, this light is exceptionally pure. Because they have transcended selfishness and are free from all defilements, their body-light and heart-light manifest as a high-purity golden light. This golden radiance is not something external; it is the original, inherent light of the true self that belongs to every being throughout the vastness of the Dharma Realm.

Returning to Our Original Nature

Turning toward this light is the deepest aspiration of every spirit. Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su use this light of the true self to welcome all beings, offering their boundless support to help them leave suffering behind and find happiness. This light of the true self is not something we need to acquire from the outside; it is already within us, waiting to be uncovered. As practitioners, we must exert ourselves with diligence and sincerity to find our way back to this original, luminous nature. By purifying our hearts and chanting Namo Amituofo, we gradually strip away the layers of dust that obscure our inner radiance, allowing our true self to shine forth once more.

Namo Amituofo