Entering the Bitter Cold of Winter

During the Thrice Yearning Ceremony, we gather to reflect upon the profound nature of our existence and the state of all sentient beings. It is a time to look inward, to align our hearts with the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way, and to seek the guidance of those who have walked the path before us.

The Bitter Cold of Samsara

Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju reminds us that when one enters the bitter cold of winter, one truly understands the suffering of all beings. This winter is not merely a season of the physical world; it is a metaphor for the long, dark night of samsara. Countless spirits are currently waiting to be saved, shivering in the frost that covers the earth. In this freezing winter, there is no warmth to be found, and they tremble, waiting for a helping hand to rescue them. Among these beings are those who share a karmic connection with the fourfold assembly of disciples. They are suffering, and they are waiting for us to extend our compassion and help them find the path to liberation.

The Path of Diligent Practice

We are deeply grateful for the Dharma Body of Practitioner Su, whose work in spiritual deliverance, known as Chao Du, brings light to the darkness. Through the Buddha-light and the recitation of the sacred Buddha-name, countless beings are saved. However, this is a call to action for all of us. We must ask ourselves how we can contribute to this mission. The answer lies in our own commitment to the path:

• We must engage in diligent practice every single day.We must focus our efforts on the cultivation of Precepts, Concentration, and Wisdom.Through this dedicated practice, our body, mind, and spirit will naturally undergo purification.

When we purify ourselves, we become vessels for the Buddha-light, allowing us to better serve those who are still lost in the cold.

The Rare Blessing of the Buddha-land

It is not easy to enter the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. It is even more difficult to remain close to the Buddha, following the teachings day by day. If you are here, it is because you have cultivated great merits in your past lives. You have earned the right to enter this Buddha-land in this lifetime. The path ahead may feel like a long, cold night, but if you hold a sincere vow in your heart to relieve the suffering of all beings, you will find the strength to continue. Do not let yourself become lax or lazy. Do not let idle thoughts distract you from your awakening, and do not let empty words lead you into the dust of worldly attachments.

The Warmth of Namo Amituofo

Every being you encounter is a Buddha in the making, currently lost in confusion. They are waiting to be saved so that they may achieve the Buddha's path. In the midst of this winter, the sacred name of Namo Amituofo resonates through the air. It penetrates the hearts of all beings, melting the ice of their suffering. The Buddha-light brings a warmth that is both physical and spiritual, providing the energy needed to endure and to grow. We are eternally grateful for the compassion of Namo Amituofo and the Dharma Body of Practitioner Su, who guide us toward the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Let us walk this path with a firm heart, knowing that we are never alone as long as we keep the Buddha-name in our minds and the vow to save all beings in our hearts.

Namo Amituofo