Teachings from the Thrice Yearning Ceremony

The Darkness of Karma and the Sealing of the Self

On the 24th of June, 2018, at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia, the Thrice Yearning Ceremony was held to guide beings toward liberation. During this sacred assembly, Namo Amituofo provided essential teachings on the nature of our existence.

Namo Amituofo teaches: When the truth manifests before you, if your vision is clouded, you cannot see it clearly. Because the world lacks an understanding of the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way, it remains in darkness. Ignorance breeds further darkness, and once you possess knowledge but refuse to turn back toward the truth, you remain trapped in your own self-imposed seal. You must realise that your life is like a dream, wandering through cycles of confusion. To break free, you must refine your clarity and let faith in your true nature arise. Do not view your life in this world as merely a journey of suffering; instead, treat every action as a path to awakening. You must work diligently to resolve the debts of your past karma. Do not abandon the spirits of the past, but do not let them hold you back in the dust of this world. Direct your spirit toward the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss immediately; do not delay, for time is fleeting. When your heart aligns with the Truth, the fruit of your awakening will naturally manifest.

The Hidden Spirits and the Path to Clarity

Namo Amituofo further explains the state of the unseen world: In the realm of the shadows, many beings are unaware of the true Dharma and the reality of their situation. They are bound by spirits that cling to them, yet they do not understand the truth of their own condition. This darkness within the heart, the actions, and the events of life creates a barrier. To resolve this inner darkness, your heart must be truly clear and unobstructed. Before you act, ensure your heart is free from the cycle of birth and death. With sincere faith, your heart will no longer be muddled. By purifying your heart, your actions will become luminous. To understand the darkness is to remove the path of karma. You must understand the true power and the true path. If your heart is not aligned, your actions will remain in darkness. When you are enlightened, you must strive to act correctly. If you wait until your karmic conditions have passed and your life is extinguished, it will be difficult to find clarity again. Do not fall back into the customs of the confused masses. Be wise, resolve the dust of the world, and understand your life with a broad heart; when your life is perfected, your true nature is realised.

Adjusting Your Path to the Right Way

Great Master Xuanzang offered his guidance: Are you all well? As you face the future, are you at peace? If your heart is situated in the world, how can it avoid being stained by the dust? This world of red dust is a place of confusion. You must act with clarity, not with ignorance. Do not merely seek your own comfort. Every thought you raise and every word you speak is seen by the Buddhas. You should praise the truth rather than remain silent. Let your heart rest in the name of Namo Amituofo. Sever your greed and transform your attachments into emptiness. Nourish your heart with sincerity and peace. Do not cling to desires or engage in disharmony. You must know the path clearly, for the True Teachings are supreme. Do not pity your own worldly self; let your heart dwell in truth and your actions be guided by a righteous spirit.

Righteous Living and Heart-Action

Namo Amituofo teaches on the importance of righteous conduct: The world is in turmoil, yet in truth, there is no birth or death. Living in this world, ignorance makes it difficult to see the truth. If your actions are filled with dark deeds, even the spirits cannot find clarity. You must act according to the Buddha’s teachings. Only through sincere effort can you transform your karma. There is no better way in this world than to let righteous conditions arise. Do not live for yourself; instead, burn away your own karmic attachments to achieve the Dharma Body. You must practise righteous living, ensuring your heart and actions are as true as the Dharma. To cultivate yourself and help others is the correct way to proceed. If you can live a righteous life, you will surely succeed in your practice.

Opening the Vastness of the Void

Namo Amituofo concludes with a teaching on the vastness of the void: The stars fill the sky, yet the world is empty. The void is filled with the manifestations of spirits and dust. Since you have come here today, you must rectify your heart. The vast void is waiting for your saving actions. Your heart should be anchored on the right shore, free from all that is false. If your mindset is deluded, you must correct and transform it. By acting with clarity, you will benefit others and leave behind the cycle of suffering to attain the truth. The Buddha’s ocean of wisdom is vast and broad, capable of containing all beings without seeing them as flawed. Just as the ocean accepts the hundred rivers, the Buddha accepts all who seek the path. When you see what is good, you must cultivate it and use your own strength to help others. To save the world, you must broaden your life. Performing the Chao Du of the void is not an easy task, but with true purity, you can bring blessings to all. You have come here to build this temple and carry out this work. By welcoming all beings and guiding them toward goodness and purity, you create a sacred space. The setting of this path, the planning, and the construction are all precious conditions. Let the fragrance of the Dharma permeate your life. When the conditions are ripe, the path will open, and your efforts will bear fruit. Namo Amituofo.