Breaking Through the Barriers of Practice

The Call to Transcendence

During the Thrice Yearning Ceremony, we gather to reflect upon the nature of our existence and the direction of our spiritual journey. Namo Amituofo, in His infinite compassion, offers this guidance to those who are truly willing to break through the barriers of their practice. Those who possess the courage to confront their own limitations and seek a genuine transformation are the ones who can be saved.

The Criteria for Sincerity

At the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, Namo Amituofo sees clearly into the hearts of all His children. He asks us to examine our own intentions with absolute honesty. To determine if your practice is sincere, you must ask yourself the following questions:

• Are you truly willing to change your ways and correct your past mistakes?
• Do you have a sincere desire to save yourself from the cycle of rebirth?
• Are you committed to saving the sentient beings with karmic affinity who are suffering alongside you?
• Is your heart truly set on achieving Awakening and realising your true self?

The Path of the Bodhisattva

It is important to understand the motivation behind your desire for Awakening. Is your goal merely to seek personal liberation and find relief from your own suffering? Or is your aspiration much greater—to be able to save yourself and, in turn, guide all beings toward rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss? The path of the Bodhisattva is one of service, where we dedicate our lives to the welfare of the many.

The Synergy of Effort and Blessing

If you are truly determined to break through your current difficulties, to engage in diligent practice, and to reach the state of Awakening as soon as possible, you must align your actions with the teachings. This means following the guidance provided by the Buddha, the masters, and Practitioner Su. When you exert this level of self-effort, you will surely receive the Buddha's blessing, and your wishes will be fulfilled in due time.

The Danger of Stagnation

However, if one remains stagnant, falling into a state of lethargy or lacking the will to overcome obstacles, the situation becomes precarious. While Namo Amituofo will always watch over and protect His children, He cannot bestow His blessing if the child has not yet initiated their own effort. Without this internal drive, it becomes difficult to achieve Awakening, and one will only drift further and further away from their true self. You must recognise what constitutes true wisdom and apply yourself to it with unwavering diligence.

Recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe, on the 30th of April, 2021.

Namo Amituofo