My humble experience may be insignificant but allow me to share it with you. For years, I prayed to Sakyamuni Buddha at home. I always wanted to learn more about the true Dharma, about who Amitabha Buddha is, and why his name is so popular. I was wary of falling for cult practices with fake Buddhist teachings. Every day, I prayed to Buddha to guide me to the true Dharma door.
Until last year, through the recommendation of my daughter, I attended my first course on ‘Project Patience‘ [on Buddhist anger management] at a temple. It was my first time there.
On the first night after attending lesson one, before I fell asleep, I experienced rays of shining golden light. I felt so calm and blissful, and was seemingly smiling. It lasted only for a short while. I had no idea of what it was, and thought that it could have been my imagination.
However, after attending ‘The 48 Great Vows Of Amituofo‘ course’s module 1, the ongoing module 2, and the ‘Understanding Amituofo Via The Amitabha Sutra‘ course concurrently, I believe I have found my true Dharma teacher and affinity with Amituofo.
Namo Amituofo :
Shelly (Name changed for privacy)
Notes:
Amituofo’s light that offers blissful blessings is gold in colour. This experience is remarkable as some of this light was experienced before, and not after having heard of this, till the corresponding courses that explained it were attended. This precedence makes the experience more likely to be genuine than not. This can be seen as an auspicious sign of pre-assurance, that what soon to be learnt will be the true Dharma, thus answering the sincere prayers for guidance in advance.
Additional Sharing:
In the past, I always had problems sleeping in hotels for the first and second nights. However, I slept well during my recent overseas trip, and feel wonderful. I believe this is due to the daily Dharma practice learnt from you [Bro. Shi’an] – the correct way to Nianfo (although I have been praying at home to Sakyamuni Buddha for more than 30 years).
I have attended your classes for about a year plus, and started Nianfo practice as taught, with the Three Provisions. I also attended a retreat conducted by you and that helps a lot. Although my mind still wanders, I believe that with your continual guidance, and my sincere practice, I should be able to tame my mind in due time. Truly appreciate your time to share the true Dharma selflessly and passionately with us.
Please be mindful of your speech, Amituofo!