Practice is a matter of individual effort; as the saying goes, if a husband practises, he receives the benefits, and if a wife practises, she receives the benefits. The meditative concentration and spiritual skills you cultivate belong to you alone. Similarly, the karmic consequences of your good and evil deeds must be borne by you personally. No one else can carry this burden for you, nor can anyone else perform the work of liberation on your behalf.
In our group cultivation at the bodhimanda, the fourfold assembly of disciples has gathered from all corners of the world. You have all made the noble decision to set aside worldly affairs to focus on diligent practice. Your goal is to chant , to vow to be reborn in the of Ultimate Bliss, and to attain Buddhahood. You must strive to ensure that you do not fall back into the cycle of rebirth, becoming an ordinary person once again, trapped in the endless sufferings of birth, aging, sickness, and death.
The Rare Treasure of the Pure Land
During our group cultivation, the fourfold assembly of disciples must learn to collect and focus their Body-Mind-Spirit. When you are chanting Namo Amituofo, if you truly wish to chant the Buddha-name well, you must hold onto it tightly and never let go. You must learn to see through the illusions of this world and let go of all worldly attachments, for you must understand the supreme importance of this Buddha-name.
Since time immemorial, the most magnificent and rare opportunity you have ever encountered is this Pure Land method of chanting Namo Amituofo. In this world, what other method or path could possibly allow you to transcend the cycle of rebirth and achieve true liberation from life and death? There is only this Pure Land method.
to the Freedom of Life and Death
True practice helps the practitioner distance themselves from the dust of worldly defilements. It prevents you from being polluted by external circumstances and eventually leads you to realise your true nature. Those who have realised their true nature possess the ability to freely travel to and from the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. They have attained complete mastery over life and death.
Within the bodhimanda, you must be diligent in disciplining your body, speech, and mind. You must be careful not to disturb the practice of the fourfold assembly of disciples. Remember that you are practising 24/7, at every moment and in every place, as you continue to chant Namo Amituofo.
The Sacred Stillness of Mind and Intent
You must be extremely cautious, for even silent thoughts can be a form of interference. Do not disturb the practice of others, for you must realise that there are countless beings residing within your own body. Perhaps they are also participating in this group cultivation alongside you. Therefore, every thought and intention you harbour acts as a disturbance to them, as well as to the people around you.
The instruction to not disturb others is not limited to spoken words or physical actions; it also encompasses your silent, internal thoughts. To maintain a harmonious environment for everyone, please observe the following guidelines regarding your conduct:
Speech: Speak in a soft, gentle, and quiet tone. It is sufficient if the person you are addressing can hear you. Avoid speaking loudly or raising your voice, as this disrupts the concentration of others.
Actions: Move with calmness and grace. Your movements should be quiet and steady, ensuring that you do not cause others to feel agitated or distracted.
Conduct: Never gossip or speak of the rights and wrongs of others behind their backs. Such behaviour pollutes your own Body-Mind-Spirit and interferes with the quiet retreats of your fellow practitioners.
Turning Inward to Illuminate the Way
These points are offered for your reflection and reference. Ultimately, the key to success is to look inward and reflect upon your own heart. Do not seek answers or validation from the outside world. By turning your focus inward, you not only help yourself but also contribute to the success of others.
