Buddhist-Meditation-Systematic-and-Practical

eal conclusion to this week's talk, as the chapter is to be
continued next week with the meditations in the third
and fourth initiations.
After saying this, Mr, Chen got up and gave to
everyone present some of the offerings to the
Buddha of Long Life, Amitayus. Cookies and
oranges arranged as ritual offerings, together with
a slice of birthday cake, were given out as a
blessing that this existence may long continue for
the sake of the Dharma.
Subsequently, Mr. Chen again spoke upon the
Buddha Amitayus. He said:
He sits upon a lotus and, as you know, this is a sign of
purity. If one takes Amitayus as one's yidam, then not
only must one have purity, but also it is necessary to
make one's renunciation early in life. Then with good
practice and much time accomplish everything, one will
receive long life. The renunciation of a bhiksu also
includes the will to purification.
The moon-mat upon the center of the lotus, where Lord
Amitayus sits, is a sign of the great bodhicitta which
issues out of the sunyata meditations. After such
practice, the mind is great, not narrow, and always kind,
never cruel. Purity, compassion and sunyata-wisdom are
the factors which prolong life. I must emphasize that not
only should the form of this Buddha be kept in mind
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