To help devotees deepen their understanding and practice of Humanistic Buddhism, Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto invited Venerable Chueh Fa, Superintendent of Chung Mei Temple in Houston, USA, to give a special lecture on Pure Land practice on March 29. Nearly 200 participants gathered to explore how the principles of Pure Land practice can be integrated into daily life.

The Dharma talk covered the origins of the Pure Land, its core principles, and the benefits of chanting Amitabha Buddha’s name. Venerable Chueh Fa provided practical guidance on incorporating chanting into daily routines, emphasizing that spiritual cultivation begins in the present moment.

During the lecture, she posed the question, “How should one design a blueprint for spiritual practice in life?” She explained that the path to Buddhahood lies in generating the aspiration for enlightenment, sincerely chanting the Buddha’s name, and diligently upholding the Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings advocated by Venerable Master HsingYun, founder of Fo Guang Shan.

She further emphasized that a puremind is the foundation of Pure Land practice—when one chants with sincerity and purity, the Pure Land manifests in this world. Quoting, “Once it enters the ear, it becomes a seed for the path forever,” she reminded attendees that spiritual cultivation is about seizing the present moment rather than postponing practice.

By addressing common challenges such as karmic hindrances, distractions, and attachments, Venerable Chueh Fa encouraged attendees to cultivate unwavering faith and perseverance in their practice. She shared the proverb, “Dripping water can penetrate stone; determination leads to success,” reinforcing that faith, vow, and practice are essential provisions for the Pure Land path.

As the lecture concluded, Venerable Chueh Fa shared Nāgārjuna Bodhisattva’s realization of Pure Land practice, likening Amitabha Buddha to eyelashes protecting the eyes—constantly safeguarding sentient beings, though often unnoticed due to lack of wisdom. She urged attendees to transform their mindset, cultivate wholesome connections, and apply the Dharma to daily life.

The lecture resonated deeply with participants, inspiring them to strengthen their Pure Land practice. Golden Wu, a young attendee, reflected, “People do not lack time for practice; rather, their determination is not strong enough.” Senior volunteer Xiaoying Jiao was particularly moved by the metaphor of Amitabha Buddha as protective eyelashes and vowed to deepen her Buddhist studies and chanting practice.

Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto continues to provide opportunities for Buddhist learning and practice, supporting devotees in integrating the Dharma into their everyday lives and strengthening their spiritual cultivation.

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