The Compassionate Light of Namo Amituofo During Group Prostrations

Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, recorded by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe.

16 December 2022

The weekly group prostration sessions, held every Thursday evening from six to nine o'clock, serve as a profound test for every practitioner. These three hours are not merely a physical exercise; they are a rigorous examination of your perseverance, your unwavering resolve, and your steadfast determination to walk the path of the Buddha.

The Crucible of Devotion

During these three hours of practice, you engage in a continuous cycle of devotion: you bow your body to the Buddha, humbling the ego; you keep your eyes fixed upon the image of the Buddha, maintaining presence; and you listen intently to the sacred Buddha-name, allowing it to permeate your consciousness. You repeat these actions again and again, seeking to align your entire being with the rhythm of the practice.

However, the path is rarely without obstacles. Within the hall, the state of the fourfold assembly varies greatly. Some practitioners struggle with the cycle of becoming drowsy and then waking, only to drift back into a state of mental fog. Others, the little Bodhisattvas among us, follow the movements of the group while their eyes wander, curiously observing the actions of those around them.

Navigating the Fluctuations of the Mind

It is common to see a wide range of situations within the Buddha hall. Some practitioners may lose their focus entirely, their movements falling out of sync with the chanting of the Buddha-name. Yet, the moment they regain their awareness, they immediately strive to return to the rhythm of the group. This fluctuation between clarity and confusion is a universal phenomenon in our practice during these times. It is a reflection of the karmic habits we carry, which we must patiently work to purify.

The Unwavering Compassion of Namo Amituofo

Regardless of the varying states of the fourfold assembly, the compassionate father Namo Amituofo stands tall and majestic. He is always smiling, his gaze gentle and serene. Although his eyes are slightly lowered, he knows the heart of every single practitioner with absolute clarity. For the entire three hours, he remains still and immovable, bestowing his Buddha-light upon everyone with perfect equality. He does not discriminate; his light is a constant, steady presence that embraces all who are present.

The Transformation of Suffering Beings

Beyond the fourfold assembly, there are countless other beings present in the hall. No matter how far or wide they are gathered, they all receive the radiant, gentle, and energy-filled Buddha-light of Namo Amituofo. Many of these beings, witnessing this scene and feeling the warmth of the Buddha's light, cannot help but shed tears of gratitude and deep emotion. They listen to the Buddha-name and perform their own prostrations, using this act to express the profound thankfulness that fills their hearts.

These beings have lived for so long in a world of darkness and shadow—a life of such immense suffering. The Buddha remains silent, yet his compassion is boundless. He embraces everyone, using his Buddha-light to illuminate the darkness of our ignorance. He warms the hearts of those who feel helpless, abandoned, and desperate for liberation. Truly, the grace of the Buddha is so vast that it is difficult to ever fully repay. We must continue to practise with sincerity, for in this light, we find the strength to leave suffering behind and find true happiness.

Namo Amituofo