Recorded and transcribed by ’s disciple, Venerable Fa Hui.
Day after day, year after year, the river of time flows onward without pause. As we stand at the threshold of another year, it is essential for us to pause and reflect upon the nature of our existence. What are the actions, the words, and the thoughts that fill your daily life? In your practice, have you truly seen growth in your spiritual achievements? Do you have absolute certainty regarding your rebirth in the of Ultimate Bliss? Are you drawing closer to the state of an awakened being with each passing moment?
The Mirror of Daily Practice
To walk the path of the Buddha is to engage in a constant process of self-examination. We must ask ourselves if we are truly grounding our lives in the three pillars of the path: (Discipline), meditative concentration, and Wisdom (Prajna). Can you maintain your Precepts without transgression, keeping your conduct pure and aligned with the Truth? Have you achieved success in your meditative concentration, allowing your heart to remain steady and undisturbed? Is your Wisdom (Prajna) beginning to manifest and shine forth, guiding you through the complexities of life?
Furthermore, we must consider the quality of our Buddha-recitation. Is your practice of chanting Namo Amituofo continuous, flowing like a steady stream that remains unbroken by the distractions of the secular world? True practice requires a heart that is not easily swayed by the words or actions of others. When you encounter the opinions or criticisms of others, do not let them disturb your inner peace. If you have made a mistake, simply change your ways with sincerity and speed. However, if you allow the behaviour of others to ignite anger within you, you are burning down the forest of merit you have worked so hard to cultivate. This is a heavy price to pay, and it is truly not worth it.
The Radiance of a Purified Heart
The teachings provided by Namo Amituofo, as well as the guidance offered by Practitioner Su and myself, are meant to be taken to heart. When you hear these words, use them as a mirror to correct your own faults. Only then can your practice truly advance, and only then can your heart be filled with genuine gratitude. A practitioner who upholds the Precepts naturally possesses a calm mind and a composed spirit. This inner stillness is precisely what distinguishes the life of a practitioner from the life of the secular world.
When you manifest meditative concentration and Wisdom (Prajna) through your adherence to the Precepts, you demonstrate your faith in the Buddha and in your own potential. This is the mark of a practitioner who is making real progress. Your very presence will then inspire others to grow in their own faith, encouraging them to learn about the Pure Land, to chant Namo Amituofo, and to engage in the work of purification. The auspicious characteristics, the , the , and the selfless giving that you cultivate are the fruits of your long-term immersing ourselves in these teachings. This transformation is visible to all, and it is the primary reason that beings are drawn to enter the Buddha’s gate and join our bodhimanda.
A Sanctuary for the True Path
At the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Goombungee, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia, we are fortunate to have the teachings of Namo Amituofo as our guiding light. These teachings serve as the compass for modern practitioners, helping us navigate the challenges of our time. As the years pass, it is my sincere hope that the fourfold assembly of disciples (monks, nuns, laymen, laywomen) will find success in their practice. May you rediscover your true self and gain the absolute certainty of rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This is the most important task of your life. Do not let a single moment pass in vain, for the opportunity to reach is precious beyond measure.
