Understanding the First Session of the Thrice Yearning Ceremony

The Sacred Transmission of the Dharma

The Thrice Yearning Ceremony serves as a profound gateway to liberation, meticulously designed to assist us in reconnecting with our true self. Today, we reflect upon the first session, which focuses on the essential meaning of understanding. The Dharma is transmitted through the eyes, the ears, and the heart. It is not merely a collection of written words, but a living experience that must be deeply felt and internalised. The sutras serve as one of the many sacred vessels for this transmission, guiding us toward the ultimate truth. How many can truly perceive the depth of this wisdom, and how many are willing to open their hearts to receive it?

The Path to the Buddha Nature Within You

Every school of Buddhism ultimately leads to the realisation of the Buddha nature within you. Among these, the Pure Land path is a direct and compassionate way. It is a path that does not rely on complex intellectualism, but on the sincerity of the heart. By focusing our practice, we can strip away the layers of delusion that obscure our true self. This is the beauty of the Pure Land teachings; they are accessible to all who possess the faith to walk this path with diligence and devotion.

The Cycle of Suffering

In this Saha world, we are trapped in the cycle of being reincarnated, bound by the heavy weight of our past karma. When we lose our way and stray from the True Teachings, we become lost in delusion. We suffer through birth, aging, sickness, and death, often accepting this cycle as the natural and inevitable order of life. But is this truly the only way to exist? We must ask ourselves if we are content to remain in this state of perpetual suffering, or if we are ready to seek a higher truth that transcends the mundane.

The Extraordinary Way Out

Within this cycle, there exists an extraordinary path. It is the path revealed by the Forty-eight Great Vows of Namo Amituofo. By chanting the Buddha-name—letting it flow from your mouth and enter through your ears into your heart—you align yourself with the infinite compassion of the Buddha. This is the hand extended to you, guiding you directly into the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Do not let this opportunity pass you by; cherish every moment of your practice, for it is the key to leaving suffering behind and finding true, lasting happiness.