Sunsets II

With translated excerpts from the 2014 Dharma Booklet: Long Road After the Sun of Life Sets (at bottom)

From The Long Road After the Sun of Life Sets ( The Inconceivable Benefits of Reciting Amitabha’s Name)

Translated excerpts are from the 2014 Dharma Booklet: Long Road After the Sun of Life Sets (by the Ven. Zhi Liao and printed by the Buddha Educational Foundation)

As long as we are mindful of Amitabha’s name in our hearts, everything will improve and turn better. If we recite in a small house, the small house will become resplendent, fragrant and august, transformed into a fine residence. Recite Amitabha’s name while doing chores, and doing them becomes peaceful, leisurely and joyful. Thus, as long as we recite the name of Amitabha with one heart, not thinking of other things, all the various annoyances and sufferings of human life will be cast off. Not only will our daily sufferings be cast off, even the great pain of death and rebirth can be cast off. At the moment of death, Amitabha will appear to welcome us into the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, isn’t that wonderful? Thus, if you are able to truly let go and single-mindedly recite Amitabha’s name, then you would not need to wait until Pure Land rebirth to find happiness, your every living moment now will become leisurely and blissful.

Furthermore, in our old age, we often face chronic illnesses, dementia, and strokes. By reciting the name of Amitabha with one heart and one mind, such sufferings can be prevented. By praying to Amitabha, and fully entrusting ourselves to his blessings, our lives will be smooth in our old age. As Amitabha’s Great Compassion can allow us to be clear minded even during our final moment, he can certainly guarantee us clarity, comfort and ease in both body and mind while we are still living. All that is required of us is that we sincerely do as instructed.

The name of Amitabha is an unimaginably great wish fulfilling jewel. It can bestow upon us all the benefits of both this world and the afterlife. It can dispel dangers and disasters, neutralize poisons, heal illnesses, and overcome the suffering of death and rebirth, thereby lifting people away from the Samsara to become Sages. As long as we have true faith, all problems and worries can be solved by this Buddha-name.

The name of Amitabha is inconceivable, and his name represents the state of the fruit of Buddha-hood. Thus, we should all give rise to great faith in Amitabha’s name, and recite it with joy and sincerity. If our faith is perfect, then the blessings we receive will likewise be both perfect and incredible in greatness.

People of this world know that money can buy them houses and cars, can give them the good life. Thus, they have absolute faith in money, and are willing to risk their lives to obtain wealth. We, however, should not believe in money. We should instead have faith in the inconceivable power of the name of Amitabha, and possessing true faith, fully commit to abide with Amitabha, and recite his name with all our strength. If we do so, we will certainly receive truly wondrous benefits. According to the Ven. Master Hai Xian, “Anything can be easily done as long as the heart is focused.”

Note: Photos taken at Yangmingshan