To obtain a human body, to study the Buddha's teachings, and to realise one's true nature so as to escape the cycle of rebirth are all extraordinary events that are incredibly difficult to find. There is a profound metaphor often used to describe this: obtaining a human body is as rare as the amount of soil one can hold on a fingernail, while losing it is as common as the sand upon the earth. This illustrates just how precious and fragile our current existence truly is. Furthermore, when we speak of the difficulty of hearing the Buddha's teachings, we are reminded that the opportunity to encounter the is a rare blessing that should never be taken for granted.
The Sacred Opportunity at Hsiang Kuang
At the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre, you have been granted the rare opportunity to simultaneously possess a human body, study the Buddha's teachings, and engage in genuine practice. You have the potential to realise your true nature, escape the cycle of rebirth, and achieve the ultimate goal of being reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Therefore, you must cherish every single day you spend here at the centre. Do not allow this precious life to slip away, for if you distance yourself from the Buddha and fail to realise your true nature, you may find yourself falling back into the cycle of rebirth. The regret that follows such a loss is immense, and by then, it will be too late to turn back.
The Path of Purification
Fortunately, in this lifetime, you have come to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, where truly abides. You have met Practitioner Su, who has attained , and you have been guided through the essential practices of the path:
Listening to the sutras and hearing the Dharma to cultivate wisdom.
Chanting the name of Namo Amituofo with a focused heart.
Performing prostrations to humble the ego and show reverence.
Reciting the sutras to align your mind with the Buddha's wisdom.
Attending to the Buddha's words and the teachings of your teachers.
Inviting spirits and performing to help suffering beings when they manifest before you.
All of these efforts are directed toward one singular purpose: purification, and then more purification, so that you may eventually rediscover your original, true nature.
The Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way
The fourfold assembly of disciples must clearly understand that these opportunities are not easily won. You should therefore be diligent and apply yourself fully to your practice, never letting time pass in vain. Especially at this moment, with Namo Amituofo, your teachers, and Practitioner Su all present at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, you are standing before a magnificent opportunity for Awakening. You must be active and diligent in your pursuit of the truth.
Remember that the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way operate naturally and without exception:
If you sow negative causes, you will reap evil consequences.
If you sow good causes, you will reap good fruit.
Do not take lightly the creation of negative causes, for the resulting suffering will surely bring you regret. Instead, be proactive in performing good deeds and planting good causes, so that the resulting fruit will be the of leaving suffering behind and finding true happiness, leaving you with no regrets.
A Vow to Reach the Western Pure Land
Please awaken your Bodhicitta, the heart of . Focus your mind entirely on chanting Namo Amituofo, and hold firmly to the vow to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. When you live your life with this clarity and dedication, you will find that you can truly live with no regrets. Recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.
