[131] How A Pilgrimage Further Inspired My Pure Land Practice
At first, I was quite sceptical of how a pilgrimage to Pure Land Patriarchal Monasteries (净土祖庭) can enhance my spiritual practice. (Particularly, at a time with unemployment common, when spending should be more prudent.) I finally agreed to the trip, with my sole aim to accompany my wife, so as to not cause any regrets if she misses it. Upon reflection one month later, it was indeed worth the money and effort. The trip increased my appreciation of Āmítuófó’s (阿弥陀佛) Great Vows (大愿) and enthusiasm in Niànfó (念佛).
The high level of ethical standards and moral conduct of fellow Purelander brothers and sisters on the trip were impressive. I noticed that none gossiped or passed negative comments on people or events, that might give rise to negativity or enmity. This reminded me of Āmítuófó’s 16th ‘Vow Of Land Without Unvirtuous Names Within’ (国中无不善名愿) within his 48 Great Vows.
This line from the Amitābha Sūtra《阿弥陀经》also came to mind — ‘To attain being with all such superior good persons, together meeting in one place’ (得与如是诸上善人，俱会一处). As a result, I felt more relaxed and was able to communicate at ease. It facilitated reverencing of the Buddha (拜佛) too. In fact, one of the qualities of the Pure Land (净土) that attracts me is the opportunity to constantly meet good-knowing friends (善知识) there, as experienced through our group.
Most of the pilgrimage’s time was spent on having meals and visiting monasteries. The itinerary was such that I felt like it replicated life in Pure Land. Plenty of delicious vegan food was served during dining hours. Such convenience reminded me of teachings in the Immeasurable Life Sūtra《无量寿经》on how beings in the Pure Land are able to obtain food upon thinking about it (思食得食), and Āmítuófó’s 38th ‘Vow Of Wonderful Clothing Naturally On Body’ (妙服自然在身愿), which is like the comfortable hotel accommodation in our context.
Monastery visits, during which we prostrated to many Buddha images reminded me of Āmítuófó’s 23rd ‘Vow Of In One Instant Universally Offering To All Buddhas’ (一时普供诸佛愿). Our swift travelling from one monastery to another reminded me of the wonderful ability to traverse distances easily with supernormal travel (神足通), as in Āmítuófó’s 9th ‘Vow Of All Attaining Supernormal Teleportation And Flight’ (皆得神足飞行愿).
If what experienced on this pilgrimage is already so inspiring and satisfying, what more if we are in the actual Pure Land itself! Finally, the positive experiences gathered through this pilgrimage also inspired me to participate in the ten-day Million Āmítuófó-Recitation Retreat (百万佛号闭关) at Dōnglín Monastery (东林寺) at least once in this lifetime.
Āmítuófó : William Chua
13 April 2026
Related Testimony:
[130] My Pilgrimage To Be Closer To Āmítuófó
https://purelanders.com/2026/03/31/130-my-pilgrimage-to-be-closer-to-amituofo
The Ultimate Pilgrimage:
大方广佛华严经不思议解脱境界普贤菩萨行愿品
The Great Right And Vast Buddha’s Flower Adornment Sūtra’s Entry Into The Inconceivable Liberation’s Realm Of Universal Virtue Bodhisattva’s Practices And Vows’ Chapter
https://purelanders.com/xingyuan
