In 2014, I went for a solo trip to Taiwan. I had wanted to arrange for a Buddhist marriage ceremony (佛化婚礼) at Kaohsiung’s Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum. So, I stayed at the hostel for a couple of nights. It was a trip that I felt very compelled to make because I was scheduled to be married at the end of that year, but some things in the relationship didn’t feel right. So, I decided to make the trip to the wonderful temple to seek solace for myself.
I attended my first evening chanting session after mindfully eating dinner. It was amazing as I never felt so peaceful before. Soon, it was time to rest. Suddenly, there was this bright golden light as I lay down on the bed in the dark. I was shocked and amazed at the same time. Right after, I heard a calm but strong female voice telling me, ‘You cannot marry this man.’ I still remember the voice.
Fast-forwarded, I called off the upcoming wedding to this guy and that was the best decision ever. Since then, I felt that it was probably Guanyin Bodhisattva (Pusa) trying to warn and guide me to safety. With this, I am always grateful for Amituofo’s (Amitabha Buddha) and Guanyin Pusa’s presence.
I feel that what truly essential is to always carry the faith, love and reverence for the Buddha(s) and Bodhisattva(s) wherever you go. If lost, always return to the Triple Gem. I didn’t have any requests prior to my trip. However, I often pray at the Guanyin Temple at Middle Road in Singapore. I found out about the museum during an earlier trip, when I was led by colourful lanterns along the road. At that time, I felt strong intuition that I should start to Nianfo (in terms of Amituofo), which I did!
Amituofo!
Sadhu, Estee
(Name changed for privacy)
Notes:
The indirectly guided pilgrimage to the overseas temple for solace represented return to the Triple Gem for refuge. The very peaceful chanting could be the cause, for the effect of experiencing the light and voice. Although golden light is linked to Amituofo, a female voice was heard, which was felt to be that of Guanyin Bodhisattva, which is likely so as there was habitual praying to her, while the light was also encouragement to continue Nianfo.
Despite no troubling question clearly asked, it was clearly answered. Indeed, the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are always mindful of all beings, ever ready to connect to us. With enough connection to them in everyday life, under the right conditions such as the above, they are able to connect to us – even when we are not mindful of them then. The way to increase our ability to connect to them, and for them to easier connect to us, is through sincere Nianfo in everyday life.
诸佛念念念众生,
劝请诸众念念佛.
All Buddhas, who are mindful of all beings
from thought to thought,
urge and invite all beings to be mindful of Amituofo
from thought to thought.
Related Article:
Guanyin Bodhisattva’s Wake-Up Call
https://purelanders.com/2017/05/20/guanyin-bodhisattvas-wake-up-call
