Advancing Towards the State of an Awakened Being

Embracing the Sacred Responsibility

My dear children, you have undergone a profound transformation. Through diligent adjustment and sincere effort, you have successfully transitioned from the mundane life of the world into the dedicated life of a monastic practitioner. You must now clearly recognise the heavy responsibility you carry upon your shoulders. You are the torchbearers of the Buddha’s teachings and the Pure Land education, tasked with the noble duty of preserving and transmitting this wisdom to future generations.

As you enter the next stage of your practice here at Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, your focus must sharpen. You are now poised to advance steadily toward the state of an awakened being. This is not a goal to be taken lightly, but a destination that requires your absolute devotion and clarity of purpose.

The Foundation of the Three Learnings

To truly realise your true self and reach the state of an awakened being, you must follow the systematic path of the Three Learnings of Precepts, Samadhi, and Wisdom. This is the bedrock of your practice, and it must be built upon a foundation of absolute sincerity and discipline.

• Precepts: You must use these to cultivate your heart and regulate your conduct. By upholding the precepts, you ensure that you do not commit transgressions or create negative karma, keeping your path clear of obstacles.
• Samadhi: You must maintain a mind that is neither chaotic nor restless. By cultivating a firm vow, you ensure that your spirit remains steady and is not easily swayed by the shifting tides of the world.
• Wisdom: Through the purification of your body, mind, and spirit, your innate Prajna wisdom will naturally manifest, allowing you to see the Truth of the universe with clarity.

Cultivating Stillness Amidst the World

True meditative concentration is not merely sitting in silence; it is the ability to remain unmoved by external interference. When you achieve the Buddha-Recitation Samadhi, your meditative concentration becomes a powerful force. You will find that you are no longer a victim of your circumstances, but rather a master of your own mind. You will be able to transform the environment around you, rather than being transformed or controlled by it.

This is the mark of a true practitioner—one who is capable of saving themselves and, through that self-mastery, is truly equipped to save others. You are not merely studying the Buddha’s teachings; you are embodying them. You are becoming a beacon of light for all suffering beings who are still lost in the cycle of rebirth.

The Magnificent Dharma Affinity

This path you are walking is a magnificent Dharma affinity, a rare and precious opportunity that you possess as students of Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. You have been given the tools, the environment, and the guidance necessary to succeed in this lifetime. Do not let this moment slip through your fingers.

You must cherish this time and grasp this opportunity with both hands. Do not wait for a more convenient moment, for the cycle of rebirth is relentless. You must act now, in this very moment, and commit yourself fully to the practice. Let your every breath be a recitation of the Buddha’s name, and let your every action be a reflection of your vow to reach the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Namo Amituofo