Unwavering Vows

Chief writer: recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe

26 July 2026

Teachings by Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju:

A vow is the essential foundation for a practitioner; with both vows and practice, one can attain realisation and achievement.

For those who lack vows or whose vows are not firm, their practice is like loose sand; when faced with instability or storms, it is easily destroyed and collapses. However, for those with firm vows, their practice is powerful and like a solid rock; even when facing storms, they can stand firm and weather the elements.

"Unwavering Vows" is the manifestation of a practitioner's firm practice in this world. Especially for those on the Mahayana Bodhisattva path, one must make great vows and follow the path of "Living the Vows: The Direct Way to Enlightenment." The fulfilment of one's vows is the moment of attaining Buddhahood.

Just as Bhikshu Dharmakara, over a period of five kalpas, made the Forty-eight Great Vows and fulfilled every one of them, establishing the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss and attaining Buddhahood under the name Namo Amituofo. Thereafter, in any part of the vastness of the Dharma Realm, if there are those who practise according to the Forty-eight Great Vows, they will surely receive the compassionate blessing of Namo Amituofo, continue to advance with unwavering vows, be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, and continue their practice there to become a Buddha. This is the importance of a vow.

Unwavering vows are also one of the three types of non-retrogression perfectly realised by the Avaivartika Bodhisattvas. Regardless of any obstacles or difficulties encountered, having an unwavering vow is a capability that a successful practitioner must possess.

Disciples of the fourfold assembly (monks, nuns, laymen, laywomen) at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, can you ask yourselves what your vows are? Whether, when encountering any difficulty, any matter, or any situation, even if you must let go of this body, you still possess the strong willpower to maintain unwavering vows and courageously seek supreme enlightenment? If the answer is yes, you will surely receive the assistance of Namo Amituofo, your Teacher, and Practitioner Su, to achieve Awakening and realise your true nature and attain Buddhahood.

Namo Amituofo