Teachings from , recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe, on the thirtieth of October, 2021.
The Unified of the Western Three Saints
The Western Three Saints—Namo Amituofo, Avalokiteshvara , and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva—are essentially three in one. They are all dedicated to the same noble purpose: to save all beings who have the karmic affinity to leave suffering behind and attain rebirth in the of Ultimate Bliss. While their methods, the beings they encounter, and the specific times and spaces in which they manifest may differ, their compassionate intent remains perfectly unified.
Guarding the Path at Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
At the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, Namo Amituofo, Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva work together to protect the temple and guide the growth of all disciples. When you perform prostrations, you should do so with a heart full of gratitude. It is important to realise that when you bow to Namo Amituofo, you are simultaneously bowing to Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva.
the Buddha-Nature Within
More importantly, when you bow to Namo Amituofo, you are also bowing to the Buddha-nature within you. Whether you are bowing before a statue, an image, or a painting, these physical forms serve a vital purpose: they are skillful means designed to awaken your original nature. Because people rely heavily on what they see with their eyes and hear with their ears, these images provide a necessary anchor for your faith, while the chanting of the Buddha-name provides a focus for your ears and voice. This practice is a manifestation of the affinity you have accumulated over countless lifetimes.
The Compassionate Vows Infused in Sacred Names
Buddhas and Bodhisattvas use these names as a compassionate convenience to save beings. They have infused their profound vows into their names. When you recite "Namo Amituofo" or "Namo Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva," you are invoking these specific vows. In the practice of the Pure Land school, the names of Namo Amituofo and Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva are used to respond to the needs of different beings, yet the spirit of helping them leave suffering behind is identical.
Chanting Namo Amituofo: This leads directly to rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
Chanting Namo Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva: This serves to guide and lead beings toward the Western Pure Land. When the conditions are ripe, this practice helps the practitioner transition to the recitation of "Namo Amituofo."
When you chant with a single, focused heart until your recitation is in perfect sync with your own true self, you reach a state where you are chanting yet not chanting, and not chanting yet chanting. This is the mark of a true practitioner.
The Supreme Light of Namo Amituofo
Each Buddha and Bodhisattva manifests their vows through their name to save those with whom they have an affinity. However, Namo Amituofo has gathered all of his Forty-eight Great Vows into the single name of "Namo Amituofo." He is the Universal Buddha, the most honoured among all lights, and the King of Buddhas. Therefore, when you chant his name, you possess all the power of his merits and his truth. This name encompasses the power of chanting the name of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva as well.
You must be single-minded and dedicated in your practice. Strive to enter the , where the power of your merits will manifest. This is the time for you to save yourself and to help all other suffering beings reach the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
