We are all gathered here to listen to the sutras and hear the . We are in the same location, at the same time, receiving the same teachings from , the guidance of our Teacher, and the explanations provided by Practitioner Su. The fourfold assembly of disciples is present, and immeasurable, boundless spirit realm beings are also here to listen. Yet, despite this shared environment, the degree to which each being absorbs the Dharma is vastly different.
How much of the Dharma truly enters your ears? How much of it reaches your heart? And most importantly, how much has your life actually changed as a result of this listening? Do you truly know how to be grateful for this opportunity? Do you cherish the you have received?
The Distractions of the Human Mind
Often, while the Dharma is being expounded, members of the fourfold assembly may find themselves falling into a state of , or their minds may wander into other spaces. You might find your thoughts drifting to worldly concerns or other distractions. When the mind is not focused, the profound benefits of the Dharma cannot take root in your heart.
In contrast, the beings from the spirit realm are listening with absolute reverence. Whether they are kneeling or pressing their palms together in prayer, every word and every sentence enters their ears and reaches their hearts. They are moved to tears of gratitude. They have grown weary of their past lives of suffering, and they now sincerely yearn for and rebirth in the of Ultimate Bliss.
Practical Guidance for the Practitioner
If you are a member of the fourfold assembly and you find that the Dharma has touched your heart and sparked a change in your life, no matter how small that change may be, please continue your practice with diligence. You must listen to the Dharma with a heart of utmost respect, for it is only through such sincerity that you can truly benefit.
If you find yourself becoming drowsy during the ceremony, please consider these practical steps to maintain your focus:
Kneel while listening: This physical posture helps to subdue a mind that is difficult to control and demonstrates your deep respect for those who are expounding the Dharma.
Refresh yourself: If necessary, stand up and wash your face to help yourself wake up and remain alert.
The Profound Benefit of the Spirit Realm
Throughout the entire ceremony, the beings of the spirit realm receive the deepest benefits from the Dharma. This is because they understand the nature of suffering so intimately. Because they have experienced such profound pain, they possess an intense, desperate longing to leave suffering behind. Consequently, they listen with a heart of pure reverence, allowing the Dharma to be fully absorbed into their very being.
Because they no longer possess a physical body, they cannot rely on changing their personality traits or their daily behaviours to escape their current state. They must rely entirely on the power of external Chao Du to have any opportunity to leave suffering behind and attain rebirth in the Western Pure Land.
The Grace of Namo Amituofo
We are incredibly fortunate that Namo Amituofo truly abides here at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. We are blessed to have the , where Namo Amituofo leads the assembly, Practitioner Su guides the participants, and the is utilised to perform Chao Du for all spirits. This sacred work helps all beings enter the golden light of the Buddha, enabling them to chant the name of Namo Amituofo and attain rebirth in the Western Pure Land or the heavenly realms.
The grace of the Buddha is immeasurable and difficult to ever fully repay. We must cherish every moment of this practice.
