[128] Two Unusual Experiences On My Pilgrimage To Pure Land Monasteries
(1) Restful Energy Throughout
I have issues sleeping on pillows that are too soft whenever I travel, which are what most hotels provide. I am also a light sleeper with the tendency to visit the toilet in the wee hours. Hence, my sleep quality has been very poor over the years.
However, on this trip, my sleep was exceptionally different. I could enjoy deep sleep without any disruption throughout the night, till my alarm rang at 4 am, which is my usual time for morning Niànfó (念佛) before heading to work.
Despite sleeping late, between 10.30 to 11.30 pm, I did not feel any tiredness that made it hard to get up, compared to normal working days, when there were occasions of having to drag myself out of the bed if I only had 4 to 5 hours of sleep!
Even on the coach, I could take my nap without any body ache at all. I have never ever encountered such restful energy. My body seemed to adapt well throughout the trip.
(2) Freedom From Pain And Anxiety
Due to knee pain developing, I have not participated in Vesak (卫塞) three-steps one-bow (三步一拜) for over a decade. When this was scheduled on our trip, I was sceptical about my ability to practise it on long concrete stairs up to the Big Buddha at Dōnglín Monastery’s Pure Land Park (东林寺净土苑), that I was never exposed to. But I was excited and wanted to seize this rare opportunity. Moreover, it was also a good chance to test if my knees are still in steady condition!
Halfway up, I started having heavy breathing and panting with silent recitation of ‘Námó Āmítuófó’ (南无阿弥陀佛). My mindfulness of Niànfó started to tremble till I remembered the phrase, ‘live in the present moment’ (活在当下). I quickly calmed down with one deep breath and focused on reciting ‘Āmítuófó’ in the present moment (which is shorter and needs less energy).
My anxious breathing stabilised as my practice resumed steadily with ease mindfully, as I smoothly completed my mission of reaching the summit. My feeling of connection and resonance deepened when I looked into the open eyes of the gigantic Āmítuófó image, with him as if there to embrace me.🙏 It reminded me of the words written by Dharma Master Dà’ān (大安法师), ‘Come back, child!’ (回来吧孩子).🙏
Amazingly, my entire body, from hamstrings to feet, were without muscle aches or pain at all when walking down and climbing stairs the next day. I would have succumbed to aches and pain from the entire lower part of my body after 3-steps 1-bow practices during Vesak, which would last for about a week! Obviously, this painlessness was due to Āmítuófó’s blessings. (This is possible as sincere mindfulness of Buddha can eliminate karmic obstacles: 念佛消业障.)🙏
Overall, the pilgrimage has been very inspiring compared to the previous South Korea trip (during which mostly Chán monasteries were visited).🙏 This trip has impacted me greatly, inspiring me to continue to improve my recitation practice with more sincere Niànfó.🙏 My deep gratitude to Teacher Shi’an for organising this meritorious pilgrimage.🙏Thank you.
Āmítuófó : Veronica 🙏🙏🙏🪷
相关经典
Related Sūtra:
《大佛顶首楞严经大势至菩萨念佛圆通章》
The Great Buddha Crown’s Śūraṅgama Sūtra’s Section On Great Power Arrived Bodhisattva’s Perfect Penetration With Mindfulness Of Buddha
https://purelanders.com/yuantong
