It Is Better to Return Home

Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

On this day, we reflect upon the profound reality of our existence. The cycle of rebirth is a relentless tide, and within the six realms of rebirth, it continues to grow and consume beings without pause. How many of us have truly paused to look at the world with clarity and recognise the gravity of our situation?

The Relentless Tide of Samsara

When one begins to see the truth of our situation—when one truly understands the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way that governs all existence—a deep sense of weariness with this world often arises. One may feel a profound longing, a desire to leave this place of suffering behind and return to a true home. But we must ask ourselves: where is this home? Where should we return?

The only reliable destination is the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. It is not merely another place within the cycle of rebirth; it is the only sanctuary that offers true liberation. If we seek to return anywhere else, we will inevitably fall back into the trap of the six realms of rebirth, where the cycle of suffering continues unabated. Only the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss provides a permanent, secure refuge for the soul.

The Call of the Western Pure Land

However, we must confront a difficult question: are we truly prepared to enter that sacred realm? How can we ensure our path is clear? This has been the central concern for every practitioner of the Pure Land school throughout history. At this moment, here at Hsiang Kuang, we are so incredibly close to Namo Amituofo and the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. We are standing at the threshold of grace.

If we fail to return to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss in this lifetime, when will such an opportunity arise again? Do we truly wish to remain in the cycle of rebirth, continuing to endure the endless suffering of the six realms? If we do not achieve success in our Pure Land practice now, we must consider the many sentient beings with karmic affinity who are waiting for us. They are waiting for us to achieve our own liberation so that we may return to save them and lead them together to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

A Vow to Save All Beings

This is a matter of the utmost importance. Many holy beings of the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss have descended into this world precisely because they saw their own sentient beings with karmic affinity suffering. They came to save them, to help them leave suffering behind and find happiness. If we, who are still struggling and have not yet achieved our own awakening, merely wish to leave this world behind, what will become of those who depend on us? How much longer must they suffer? When will they finally be saved?

Therefore, we must act while we still possess this human body and while our minds remain clear. We must look clearly at the facts of our existence, break through our current limitations, and engage in diligent practice. Our goal is to attain the state of an awakened being as soon as possible. Only by cultivating the necessary skills to save others and lead them to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss can we truly say that our practice is grounded and sincere.

Namo Amituofo.