The Sacred Act of Prostration

The Presence of the Buddha

When you have completed your three prostrations, the Buddha is already present before you. Yet, I must ask you, my children: is your heart truly present in this moment? To perform prostrations is to bow to the Buddha before your eyes, and simultaneously, it is to bow to the Buddha within your own heart. From the very beginning until this present moment, this inner Buddha has never departed from you.

The Light of the Heart

The Buddha you see before you is the manifestation of the light of your own heart. This light illuminates the darkness, and where there is light, more light is born. Conversely, the Buddha within your heart is currently obscured by layers of karmic dust. Because of this, He remains hidden deep within, unable to shine forth. When will this dust be completely swept away? Only when the dust is gone will the light of your heart be able to manifest. This is the moment when you become an awakened being, and the light of the Buddha shines forth from within.

The Synergy of Practice

My children, you must be diligent in your practice of prostration. Use this time to sincerely repent for the various transgressions you have committed in the past. As you focus your mind entirely on the act of bowing, the light of Namo Amituofo will shine upon you. This light will help you shed the heavy burden of your accumulated impurities and defilements. The practice relies on two forces working in harmony: your own effort, through sincere prostrations and repentance, and the power of the Buddha, whose compassionate light supports you, helping the Buddha within your heart to manifest.

Awakening the Inner Buddha

The Buddha is here to help you awaken the Buddha within your own heart. Do not let this inner Buddha remain in a deep slumber, unable to be roused. At this very moment, the Buddha within your heart is like a person who is half-awake and half-asleep; He is not yet fully conscious. When you finally bow until you have awakened this inner Buddha, you will be able to see your true face. By doing so, you will be able to save yourself and save all beings, helping them to leave suffering behind. This is the path to rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, guided by the infinite compassion of Namo Amituofo.

This message was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.