What is Truly Good?
Amitabha Buddha's discourse
Recorded by Chief Writer Venerable HaiZe on March 17, 2023
's discourse, recorded by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe, on the seventeenth of March, two thousand and twenty-three.
The Mirage of Worldly Success
People in this world pursue what they perceive as good. Perfection and completeness are seen as affirmations of and the value of being alive. No matter how much one is affirmed or how valuable one feels, if these efforts only serve to benefit oneself and enhance one's own value and self-affirmation, then at the end of life, everything is empty; nothing can be taken away. If the value of living is dedicated to the selfless service of the masses and the benefit of all beings, rather than existing in this world solely for oneself, then such an existence is truly valuable.
The Preciousness of Every Breath
Life is so fragile. When the breath stops, one must face the consequences of leaving the human world. For the sake of this single breath, how many beings are struggling to stay alive? Even when they suffer greatly, they still strive to hold onto this breath. Therefore, you must cherish every breath of life. Even if you use just one breath to chant a sincere and earnest Buddha-name, it is far better than letting that breath pass by in vain.
Elevating the Spirit
Let your heart not be led by the sensations of to suffer greatly, and do not let the "self," personal ego, and selfishness cause you to create . Elevate the quality of your spirit and rediscover your true self. This kind of Goodness cannot be replaced by others; you must rely on yourself to grow and receive it, and you will be the one to benefit.
The Path of Selfless Service
True Goodness is to do everything for the sake of all beings. To be able to serve others sincerely and selflessly without seeking a reward is not merely about being good yourself or achieving personal success; it is about being able to save yourself and save others, to end the cycle of being reincarnated, to enter the Western Land, and even to be willing to sacrifice yourself so that others may be well. If you lack the ability or achievement, neither you nor others will have the opportunity for liberation and rebirth in the !
The Foundation of Diligent Practice
Everything must begin with your own active and persistent practice; only then can you be good, and help others be even better! Namo Amituofo.
More by Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
The Final Curtain Call of Chu Ke-liang
A candid reflection from the late Taiwanese entertainer Chu Ke-liang on his life, his career, the karmic weight of his influence, and his ultimate deliverance to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.
The Soul's True Equality: A Conversation with Mahatma Gandhi
This is a record of an interview with Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life and his journey to the Pure Land.
A Reflection from the Western Pure Land
This is a record of an interview with Zhao Puchu, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life in the 20th century. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa Hui, on April 18, 2026.
The Truth Behind My Rebirth: A Message from Liu Suqing
Liu Suqing, the elder sister of the renowned practitioner Liu Suyun, shares her harrowing journey through the spirit realms and her ultimate deliverance to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss through the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre.
The Burden of a Historical Name
This is a record of an interview with Lin Biao, who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life approximately 54 years ago. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa, on May 18, 2026.
The Poet’s Journey to the Western Pure Land
A reflection on the life, tragedy, and ultimate spiritual liberation of the ancient statesman Qu Yuan, who found peace through the teachings of Practitioner Su.
About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library