Words from the Buddha's Heart: Stained with Blood and Tears

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

Recorded on 9 February 2024, First Session.

Namo Amituofo’s discourse:

The Tapestry of History

The history of this world is a complex tapestry woven from the threads of human experience. It is a cycle of love and hatred, life and death, joy and illness, selfishness and selfless devotion, brilliance and shadow. It is a history stained with blood and tears, filled with endless grievances and debts that are difficult to count. This is the reality of the world we have inhabited for so long.

Our Journey Through the Realms

You, my disciples, have all been part of this long, winding journey. In your past lives, you have played many roles: you have been royalty, living in palaces of gold; you have been humble peasants, working the land; you have been high-ranking officials, wielding great power; you have been lowly servants, following the commands of others; you have been human beings, the most intelligent of all creatures; and you have been earthly creatures, including the smallest insects and crawling beings.

The history of the world is but a microcosm of your own personal experiences today. You have spent countless eons and lifetimes wandering through the cycle of rebirth, enduring the pain of a history stained with blood and tears. It is only through this long, arduous journey that you have finally earned the precious Dharma affinity to gather here at Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre to practise with the Buddha, the Master, and Practitioner Su.

The Precious Opportunity at Hsiang Kuang

You must cherish this rare opportunity to escape the cycle of rebirth and achieve rebirth in the Western Pure Land. No matter what difficulties you face today, here at Hsiang Kuang, you have a path forward. If you can raise your vow, feel shame and repent for the evils you have committed in the past, and sincerely change your ways and change personality traits, you will find help. Whether you are facing karmic obstacles or the interference of demons, the Buddha and Practitioner Su are always willing to help you face these challenges. They will guide you on how to proceed.

Breaking Through the Stagnation

However, true resolve and actual practice must come from you. You must have the vow and the action to break through your current predicament. Do not remain stagnant or allow yourself to regress. Do not look back with attachment, and do not sink again into the history of blood and tears. You must save yourself, strive forward, and diligently chant Buddha's name without interruption. Through this, you will achieve purification, cultivate pure Goodness, and realise your true nature. In this very life, you shall return to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. In this very life, you shall return to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Namo Amituofo