Walking Towards the Light: Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju

Teacher: Practitioner Su, recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe

January 17, 2025, Third Session

Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju:

The Sacred Call to the Light

At the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Goombungee, Queensland, Australia, a profound practice takes place during the Thrice Yearning Ceremony. When Practitioner Su and the fourfold assembly of disciples engage in Chao Du and the daily practice of walking meditation while chanting the name of Namo Amituofo, they perform a specific visualization. They use the power of their minds to invite all sentient beings to walk towards the light.

This light is not ordinary; it is the radiant, compassionate Buddha-light of Namo Amituofo. During the process of Chao Du, the fourfold assembly of disciples focuses their mental intention on the phrase, 'Walk towards the light.' If the sentient beings with karmic affinity are able to receive this mental message and move towards the brilliant light of Namo Amituofo, they are immediately able to receive the benefits of Chao Du. By doing so, they are liberated from the suffering of the Three Evil Realms. This is the very moment when these beings are saved.

The Radiance of Namo Amituofo

Namo Amituofo truly abides at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. Throughout the twenty-four hours of the day, whether during our daily practice or during the Chao Du of the Thrice Yearning Ceremony, Namo Amituofo stands tall and majestic within the temple. When the spirits of the departed behold this magnificent presence, their hearts are filled with immense joy.

Depending on the sincerity of the practitioner who is performing the visualization, Namo Amituofo also appears at the very location where the fourfold assembly of disciples is conducting their Chao Du. He is not limited by distance or location; He can appear in any place and in any space. When beings from the spiritual realms see the golden light of Namo Amituofo and hear the call to 'walk towards the light,' they are filled with happiness. They enter the light with great speed and are instantly granted Chao Du.

Healing and Liberation for Suffering Spirits

The instruction to 'walk towards the light' is powerful because the light itself contains the boundless energy of Namo Amituofo. When the spirits are bathed in this radiance, a profound transformation occurs:

• Spirits who were once weak, exhausted, or powerless receive a direct infusion of energy.
• They regain their strength and find a renewed sense of hope.
• Their hearts are filled with joy, and the quality of their spiritual nature is significantly elevated.

As a result of this elevation, they are able to be reborn in auspicious realms, such as the heavenly realms or the human world. For those beings who have the affinity to chant the name of the Buddha, they have an even greater opportunity to enter the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This is the grace and blessing bestowed upon all sentient beings by the light of Namo Amituofo.

The Importance of Our Collective Practice

Inviting sentient beings to 'walk towards the light' is a vital component of our Chao Du ceremonies and our daily practice of Buddha-recitation. It is a bridge between our world and the spiritual realms, allowing us to extend compassion to those who are lost and suffering. By maintaining this focus and sincerity, we participate in the great work of saving infinite suffering beings. We must cherish this opportunity to serve as conduits for the Buddha’s light, ensuring that no being is left behind in the darkness of samsara.

Namo Amituofo