The heart and action of saving the world are rooted in great and great mercy. When we speak of this greatness, we refer to a quality that is boundless and infinite, extending far beyond the limitations of the ordinary mind.
The Spontaneous Nature of Compassion
When Buddhas and Bodhisattvas walk within this world, they perceive the suffering of all beings with absolute clarity. Because of this perception, a natural, spontaneous vow arises within them—a desire to save all beings, to help them leave suffering behind, and to bestow upon them true happiness. This is not a forced duty or a burden; it is the natural expression of their awakened nature. There is not even a single trace of reluctance or struggle in their actions.
To embody this, one must first overcome the various obstacles within oneself. Through diligent practice and continuous purification, one strives to reach a state of selflessness and . It is through this process that one eventually rediscovers their true self. Only after reaching this state of an awakened being can one truly unfold the practical, effective actions of saving the world and delivering beings.
The Eternal Vow of the Spirit
This entire process is guided by the heart's response to the suffering of others. Once the vow is made, it becomes the compass for one's life, directing every action toward the salvation of beings until the physical body reaches the end of its time in this world. However, the spirit of an awakened being is neither born nor destroyed. Upon the end of this life, the spirit follows its vow and journeys to its respective Buddha-land.
For those who practise chanting Buddha's name, reaching the state of an awakened being allows for a peaceful and effortless rebirth in the of Ultimate Bliss. Some may even know the time of their departure in advance, receiving the arrival of Namo Amituofo to lead them to the Western Land. At that moment, the human body's work of saving the world concludes, but the spirit's vow to save and deliver beings remains eternal. Following the conditions and opportunities that arise, the spirit continues to perform the work of salvation in whatever way is possible.
The Example of
Consider the example of Dharmakara Bhikshu. In his causal stage, he made the Forty-eight Great Vows and worked with immense diligent practice. Over the course of five kalpas, he established the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. When his vows were fulfilled, he attained Buddhahood and became Namo Amituofo, now residing in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, where he continues to give lectures.
To this day, his teaching never ceases. He has enabled countless beings of the Western Land to elevate their spirits step by step, eventually attaining Buddhahood and entering the Land of Eternally Quiescent Light.
Practical Ways to Save Beings
The work of saving the world and delivering beings takes many forms. We encourage all practitioners to engage in these noble activities:
Propagation: Introducing others to Namo Amituofo and the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
Education: Giving lectures and teaching the Buddha’s teachings to guide beings toward .
Temple Building: Establishing a temple as a sanctuary for practice and spiritual growth.
Spiritual Deliverance: Resolving the conflicts of and performing for the deceased.
Healing: Providing Body-Mind-Spirit spiritual healing to those in need.
Education: Promoting Buddhist education to clarify the truth for all.
Pure Land Advocacy: Propagating the Buddha’s teachings of the Pure Land school.
Devotional Practice: Chanting Buddha's name with the sincere wish to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
