Many a new year arrives in a grand manner and fades away one after another ever so quietly. They enrich our memories, and age our countenances. They bid farewell to bitter and harsh winters, and welcome revitalizing springs.

       Year after year, we walk through our life from childhood to middle age and from middle age to old age. We are just passing visitors in this world.

       Whether in misery or pleasure, in misfortune or good luck, the worldly life lasts only decades, but the Dharma-life is eternal. Says the Buddha: “There is no peace in the world of three-domains; it is like a house on fire: insecure, and full of suffering.

       Amitabha-reciters know the truth of life: there is neither happiness nor sorrow, for everything arises and annihilates from the karmic Yuan, the predestined-condition. Nurtured and matured under the teaching of Pure Land Buddhism, we are on the way to the Land of Bliss and solemnly pledge to requite the blessing soon.

       How fortunate we are to have peace of mind, cherish the Dharma, and propagate the compassionate deliverance of Amituofo to guide those whose Yuan has ripened.

       Namo Amituofo!

       With palms joined,

       Shi Jingguan

(Translated by the Pure Land School Translation Team;
edited by Kevin Orro (Fozhu))