Having a Beginning, Never Too Late

The Infinite Flow of Compassion

Recorded by Venerable HaiZe on the twenty-second of August, 2021, these teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju remind us of the boundless nature of our spiritual journey. When one possesses a heart of true compassion, the desire to save beings becomes an eternal flame that never flickers. This is not a task with a deadline, nor is it a duty that can be completed and set aside. Rather, the act of saving beings is a continuous, flowing commitment that knows no end, mirroring the infinite grace of the Buddhas.

The Timeless Vow of Rebirth

What kind of heart possesses a beginning that is never too late? It is the heart that sincerely vows to be reborn in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. When you make this vow, you open the door to a realm of pure light and wisdom. How do you cultivate such a heart? It begins with the sincere and earnest recitation of the holy name: Namo Amituofo.

• The Power of Ten: Even if you begin with just ten breaths of Namo Amituofo, you are planting a seed of liberation.
• The Rhythm of Devotion: Let every thought be Namo Amituofo. When your mind is filled with the Buddha's name, you are walking the path of awakening.
• Constant Presence: Practise this 24/7. Whether you are walking, sitting, or resting, keep the name of Namo Amituofo in your heart without interruption.

When you chant in this way, you have truly begun your journey, and it is never too late to turn your life toward the light of the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Seeing Through the Illusory World

What else defines a heart that has a beginning and is never too late? It is the heart that has truly realised that this world is but a fleeting, illusory dream. We often cling to the shadows of the world, mistaking them for reality. However, the true practitioner understands that:

• The True Self: Seeking to rediscover your original, true self is the only path to genuine reality.
• The Reality of Rebirth: Vowing to be reborn in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss is the most practical and solid step you can take.

When your heart is aligned with these truths, you can act with clarity and purpose. This is a path that you can begin at any moment, and because it is rooted in the Truth, it is never too late to succeed.

The Path to Awakening

To study the Buddha's teachings and to chant Namo Amituofo requires a fundamental shift in how we perceive our lives. You must learn to see through and let go of the attachments that weigh down your spirit. This process of seeing through and letting go is the essential practice that every practitioner must walk to reach the state of an awakened being. It is a journey of transformation, a journey of returning home. Remember, no matter where you are or what you have done, the moment you turn your heart toward Namo Amituofo, you have made a beginning—and it is never too late to reach the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Namo Amituofo