At Hsiang Kuang: A Sacred Sanctuary, the atmosphere is one of profound peace. On a typical summer afternoon, the sun shines brilliantly, casting a warm and radiant glow over the entire landscape. The vast, green earth stretches out in quiet stillness, while the blue sky above is adorned with soft, drifting clouds. A gentle breeze whispers through the treetops, lightly brushing against the leaves and branches as if nature itself is in meditation.
The local wildlife also partakes in this tranquil environment. Birds can be seen hopping gracefully across the ground, their heads bowed as they search for food. Occasionally, one might observe pairs or small flocks of birds soaring through the open sky. Scattered across the landscape are small, white houses that sit quietly upon the earth, providing a sense of humble simplicity. On the roofs of these structures, one might notice pairs of pigeons resting peacefully upon the solar panels, basking in the warmth of the afternoon sun.
The Rhythms of Devotion
The spiritual life at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre is anchored by the , which is held three days a week. The day begins with a clear, resonant sound that marks the start of our collective practice. At nine-fifteen in the morning, the rhythmic beating of the drum by Practitioner Su signals the commencement of the daily noon offering and the subsequent assembly.
During these ceremonies, the following activities are conducted with utmost sincerity:
The recitation and explanation of the teachings of .The delivery of formal teachings by Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju.The reading of the names of those seeking , ensuring that no soul is left behind.
Following these opening procedures, the formal Dharma assembly begins in the second-floor Buddha hall. The schedule is rigorous and disciplined, designed to keep the practitioner focused on the path of liberation:
The noon offering and the noon meal are taken with .The first and second sessions of the Thrice Yearning Ceremony are conducted with deep concentration.After the evening meal, the third session commences, often concluding around nine-thirty in the evening.
Once the ceremony concludes, the practitioners cleanse themselves and, if there are remaining duties to attend to, they complete them before retiring for the night. The cycle of practice is relentless yet rewarding; at one-fifty the following morning, the sound of the wooden board awakens the community, calling everyone to prepare for the morning service and the practice of prostrations.
The Unseen Spiritual Reality
While the scenery described above is what the physical eyes can perceive, the reality within the unseen spiritual realms is entirely different. Every time the Thrice Yearning Ceremony is held, the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is filled to capacity with countless sentient beings from the spiritual realms. In the layers of space that remain invisible to our physical eyes, every corner is crowded with beings who have travelled from afar, all earnestly seeking the deliverance of Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su.
The process of Chao Du is truly magnificent and powerful. Through the Chao Du, the practice of spiritual deliverance, and the descent of the Twelve Lights to subdue demonic forces, Practitioner Su is able to save countless beings. The scale of this Chao Du is so vast and the power so great that even the demon crowds are struck with awe and trembling fear upon witnessing it. This is the true work of a dedicated practitioner who strives to save beings, a feat that has earned Practitioner Su the deep respect and praise of the spiritual realms, becoming a story told with reverence.
Signs of Auspiciousness
When beings from the heavenly realms and the Four Sacred Realms arrive to seek Chao Du, the sky often manifests various auspicious signs. One might witness:
The appearance of radiant, auspicious clouds in the sky.The eastern horizon at sunrise turning a clear, crystalline blue, with layers of purple and gold light spreading across the heavens.The magnificent sight of the western sky at sunset, where golden light radiates in all directions, signifying the glory of the Western Pure Land.
With every session of the Thrice Yearning Ceremony, Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su successfully perform Chao Du for an immeasurable number of beings. Yet, as one session ends and the next begins, the countless spaces are once again filled with a multitude of beings waiting for salvation. The situation of Chao Du at Hsiang Kuang is something never before seen; it is truly, and without comparison, magnificent. We must cherish this opportunity to witness and participate in such a profound work of . Namo Amituofo.
