The Name is Our Everything
By Master Jueyue
In this Saha world, we are forever seeking the pleasures of the six senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch, and thought, corresponding to the “six roots,” or sense organs, of eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind). These six senses bind us to our ego and we can never live a free life.
Even when birds are flying they are bound by the sky, blocked by the wind and rain, and may get attacked by other animals.
Only by relying on the power of Amitabha's vow can we leave the three domains and go straight to the reward realm. Only then can we be free from the shackles of karma and travel freely to any place in the ten directions without hindrance.
Today, as we recite Namo Amituofo, the feathers of wings quietly grow and enable us to fly against the karmic wind without fear of hurricanes and thunderstorms. We can soar freely towards the direction of our homeland. Amitabha is the sky above us and, wherever we fly, we are in the heart of the compassionate father and embraced by his light.
If we get tired from flying, the name Namo Amituofo contains the trees of the seven jewels from our homeland, assuring us of a place to rest.
If we get hungry from flying, the name Namo Amituofo contains an array of dishes from our homeland, making sure that we are well-fed.
If we get thirsty from flying, the name Namo Amituofo has the water of the eight virtues of our homeland that can quench our thirst.
If we fly to the end of our life and fall from the sky, we just fall onto the golden land and the warm embrace of our homeland.
It turns out that the name is the sky above us, the earth we stand on, and the air we breathe. It is our whole world, our entire life.
In this life, I just want to quietly recite the name of Amituofo, waiting in the world of Namo Amituofo with equanimity for the day when I set foot on my homeland. I shall forever be one with my motherland and never be separated from my compassionate father, Amitabha Buddha.
(Translated by the Pure Land School Translation Team;
edited by Householder Fojin)
Characteristics
- Recitation of Amitabha’s name, relying on his Fundamental Vow (the 18th)
- Rebirth of ordinary beings in the Pure Land’s Realm of Rewards
- Rebirth assured in the present lifetime
- Non-retrogression achieved in this lifetime
The 18th Vow of Amitabha Buddha
If, when I achieve Buddhahood, sentient beings of the ten directions who sincerely and joyfully entrust themselves to me, wish to be reborn in my land and recite my name, even ten times, should fail to be born there, may I not attain perfect enlightenment. Excepted are those who commit the five gravest transgressions or slander the correct Dharma.
Guiding Principles
Faith in, and acceptance of, Amitabha’s deliverance
Single-minded recitation of Amitabha’s name
Aspiration to rebirth in Amitabha’s Pure Land
Comprehensive deliverance of all sentient beings