2025 First Quarter Nianfo (Amituofo Name Chanting) One Day and Two Days Retreat
Sakyamuni Buddha saw people in our time having more afflictions, worries, and wandering thoughts. Our deep seated bad habits having become even more entrenched over thousands of lifetimes would make liberating ourselves solely by our own efforts almost impossible. He knew that to end one’s problems and attain lasting happiness many people would need the help of another Buddha: Amitabha, the Buddha of Infinite Light and Infinite Life.
The simplest way to practice Pure Land is by chanting “Amituofo,” which is Amitabha Buddha in Chinese. It does not matter whether we chant in Chinese or any other language as long as we do it properly. When we chant, the sound of “Amituofo” arises in our minds. And as we utter “Amituofo,” our minds concentrate on and embrace that sound. While chanting, do so sincerely and continuously.
As one keeps chanting and the mind focuses on the sound of “Amituofo,” errant thoughts are replaced with pure thoughts. In this way, we also create less negative karma. After Amitabha has been in our mind continuously for a long time, our true nature—our Buddha-nature—will gradually be uncovered.
It is similar to a child remembering a dearly loved one: a mother, father, or someone equally close. The dearly loved one is always with him, always in his heart, in his mind. Likewise, he is always in the dearly loved one’s heart and mind—and never forgotten. In a similar way, Amitabha is always thinking of us, waiting for us to reach out to him so that he may respond to us.
Amitabha Buddha is the wise and compassionate teacher who understands everything, and who is always thinking of us, lifetime after lifetime after lifetime. We are the students who are trying to learn and to practice. Just as a good teacher listens to the calls for help from a student looking for the right answers, if we have unwavering belief, vow to be reborn in the Pure Land, and sincerely practice, Amitabha will respond. All we have to do is chant his name mindfully.
When we chant to the point of single-mindedness with the sole thought of “Amituofo,” we successfully form a connection with him—in fact, we become one with him. In that instant we are in the Pure Land—far to the west and deep within us.
As we breathe our last breath in this world, if we can form this connection, form this oneness with“Amituofo,” we will attain our next rebirth in the Western Pure Land and leave suffering behind. And once there, we will have all the time we need to continue our practice and learning, for we will be in the company of Amitabha Buddha and all the bodhisattvas. They will help us learn all the ways to wisehttps://www.chinkung.org/in-one-lifetime-pure-land-buddhism/ly and compassionately help other beings.
https://www.chinkung.org/in-one-lifetime-pure-land-buddhism/
Pease contact Miranda (604-327-8810 or 604-277-8127) for further information.
Cultivation session available either on site or through Zoom meeting, if this is your first time, on site is recommended.
2025 Schedule - First Quarter (January to March)
Dates:
Sunday, January 26th Nianfo (Amituofo Name Chanting) One Day Retreat
Sunday One Day Retreat
Saturday and Sunday Two Days Retreat
March 30
April 12、26 ／13、27
May 10、24 / 11、25
Time: 10:00 to 17:00
Schedule: (Please arrive and be ready at least 30 minutes before starting time.)
Morning: 10:00-12:00 noonOpening ceremony, walking meditation
Noon 12:00-13:00 Lunch
Afternoon: 13:00-17:00 Walking meditation, Dedication of Merit
Please note: We observe silence at all times during the retreat, that is, we refrain from chatting nor unncessary talking. This will help us to focus on our inner Self Nature and purity of heart as Venerable Master Chin Kung as taught us.
There are dedicated areas for sitting meditation Nianfo (Amituofo Chanting) and Prostrating (bowing to Buddha)
Amituofo Name Chanting for peace and harmony, for self and the world. Thanks Amituofo!
BSSA Pure Land Learning Society AMTB Vancouver