The Profound Path to Saving Oneself

The Unity of Saving Others and Saving Oneself

Recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe. On the twenty-fourth of December, 2023, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju provided this essential guidance on how one may truly save oneself. You must first understand that you are but one among the vast multitude of beings. Therefore, to save other beings is to save yourself; to rescue others from their suffering is to rescue yourself from the cycle of rebirth. This is the fundamental truth of the interconnectedness of all life.

Constant Practice in Every Moment

You have the opportunity to save beings at all times and in all places. This practice is not confined to the temple or the meditation hall; it is a continuous flow of awareness. Whether you are walking, standing, sitting, or lying down, whether you are eating or dressing, you can be a vessel for salvation. This applies to every moment of your daily life, regardless of the time:

• During the day or in the depths of the night.At dusk or in the early hours of the dawn.During formal Dharma assemblies or in the quietude of your personal time.

In every single, clear recitation of the Buddha-name, you are performing the work of purification and saving beings. Through the clarity of your chanting, you can engage in spiritual deliverance. Visualize all beings hearing the holy name of Namo Amituofo and entering the radiant light of the Buddha. Even the demon crowds are part of this multitude; they too can be guided into the twelve rays of Buddha-light and sent to the Dharma-Nature Land.

Maintaining Focus and Overcoming Obstacles

If you are sincere in your heart and act for the benefit of all beings, you will always have the Buddha's blessing. When you listen to the teachings of the Buddha, when you attend the lectures given by Practitioner Su, or when you perform your morning service—including prostrations, chanting Namo Amituofo, and reciting the Sutras—you must remain vigilant. During the Dharma assembly, as you walk in circumambulation, you must guard your spirit. You must overcome the urge to become drowsy and ensure that your mind does not wander into other space or dimensions.

The Path to Awakening

When you are listening to the Dharma, chanting, or reciting, you must take every word of the teachings into your heart. When you hear the Buddha-name, let it capture your mind completely. It is through this deep focus that you will find the point of awakening and begin to practise with true sincerity. To achieve this, you must work diligently to change personality traits and overcome your the "self," personal ego, and selfishness. Do not look outward at the world to find fault; instead, turn your gaze inward to reflect upon your own heart. Do not be swayed by external circumstances; instead, learn to transform the environment through the strength of your own practice. This is the true skills of a practitioner. By doing so, you will eventually reach the state of an awakened being, standing alongside Namo Amituofo, our Teacher, and Practitioner Su in the noble work of saving yourself and all beings, ultimately ensuring your rebirth in the Western Pure Land. Namo Amituofo.