A Call to Save a World in Peril

This is a record of a message from the late Venerable Master Sheng Yen, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This message, his seventeenth letter, was recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxi, on July 2, 2017.

Venerable Master Sheng Yen speaks:

"Fellow practitioners, is it not time to rouse our spirits? Is it not time to strive for the world, to save this realm that is teetering on the edge of destruction? It may not be the terrifying 'end of the world' as some imagine, but consider this: every person is living within a world of illusion. How is this life any different from that of the ghost realm?"

The Illusion of the Technological Age

"We live in a grand era of technological novelty. Human psychology has shifted in tandem with these phenomena, losing the simplicity and directness of the past. We have gained a certain artificiality, a technological veneer. Have all humans become mere 'technological beings'? I implore you: do not let this happen.

The illusion of technology is, in truth, terrifying. I wonder if any of you have truly realised this. The convenience brought by technology is, in reality, directly causing the degeneration of humanity. First and foremost, we see the rise of obesity; then, the surge in depression; and finally, a pervasive sense of psychological emptiness and unreality. These are all products of technology. If you think about it carefully, you will understand. Technology has its benefits, but when it becomes too pervasive, it is not a good thing. The quality of our citizens is declining, and the future of the Chinese people is deeply concerning. Many excellent traditions have been buried beneath the weight of technology."

A World Lacking True Education

"Today, there is nothing that technology cannot do, yet technology cannot change life and death. Instead, it pushes our young elites toward the darkness of death. Even young children are gradually being poisoned by the toxins of technology. This world lacks education—specifically, the education of the Buddha’s teachings. Perhaps there is still hope to awaken the human heart. Fellow practitioners, shall we pull ourselves together? Shall we make one final effort for the world, to save this realm that is teetering on the edge of destruction? It may not be the terrifying 'end of the world' as some imagine, but everyone is living within a world of illusion. How is this life any different from that of the ghost realm? Even the monks of the great mountain schools, even Venerable Guodong—do you truly not recognise this perspective? It is time to contribute to the world, to lead these children who are addicted to illusions toward a bright future.

Violence, lust, patricide, matricide—these social incidents and headlines are often the result of the influence of online media, coupled with a lack of parental discipline, which leads to catastrophe. A young life, a rare human body, is lost just like that, perhaps even leading to a death sentence. One could say they were born into the wrong family, or discuss it in terms of the laws of karma and cause and effect. But if there were timely education, guidance, and the power of the True Dharma, the laws of karma and cause and effect could be overturned. However, in today's society, no Buddhist organisation is doing this. Even if some are, it is not thorough enough, because the greater environment has not been influenced by it."

The Responsibility of the Monastic

"To speak plainly, what I, Sheng Yen, see now is merely superficial. There is no great heart, no great vow, and thus the world cannot be fundamentally changed. Everyone just gathers together to chat, laugh, or relieve stress. Some may discuss common knowledge about Buddhism that they trust and admire, but those who truly need leadership are still drifting and sinking. The power of gangs also attracts many young children, leading them astray. To possess a rare human body and be a disciple of Shakyamuni Buddha, an envoy of the Buddha, yet continue to be self-sufficient and possess one's own false halo—not only is rebirth in the Western Land impossible, but in old age, you will certainly fall ill and certainly grow old. This is because you are not a true practitioner; you have not fulfilled the duty that a monastic should have: to save the world.

I have no intention of lecturing any virtuous person. If you can take these words to heart, I hope someone can achieve this and stand up to face it. Practice is not a 'safe haven' to escape to because of dissatisfaction with the reality of society. The void is everywhere; it is impossible to escape. How many people have embarked on the path of practice, or even become monastics, with such thoughts? You should know this in your own heart. If you destroy the Buddha’s gate because of your own inclinations, this sin is very difficult to bear. Why are there so many monks and Taoists before the gates of hell? Everyone should think twice before acting. If you still have 'self' after becoming a monastic, you are simply not worthy of being one. This applies to the great masters as well. If you still have your own feelings and opinions, you have not let go. Not only have you not realised your true nature, you have not even entered the gate."

The Reality of the Unseen World

"No matter how impressive the scriptures you recite are, that is something anyone can achieve if they put in the work. That is called 'Buddhist studies,' not 'practicing the Buddha’s teachings.' A true practitioner is someone who, when you see them, you are moved. You will make a vow; you will not want this world; you might even resolve to become a monastic and follow the Buddha in study. If you cannot let go, if you are still attached, or if you still have a stubborn personality, this is not unknown to others. Everyone is familiar with ghosts and spirits; they are invisible, but most people believe in their true existence. Do you know how many such forces are watching you? You must truly practice, otherwise, the price is too high.

As long as you understand the so-called Truth, the so-called Buddha-heart, and the Buddha-vow, you will not reject this bodhimanda. You will believe in all these sacred things, magnificent and profound. Because you have never heard anything so real and direct, you evade or even deny it. One day, when you discover the truth, the reckoning of the laws of karma and cause and effect will be very difficult to compensate for. The urgency of saving the world, the expansion in all directions, the broken connections—there is a price for all of this. This is something everyone needs to understand."

A Final Appeal to the Brave

"I, Sheng Yen, now have no ability; my only skill is to see clearly, because there is no obstruction of a physical body, nor the obstruction of karmic creditors. I can know everything in this world, including all your thoughts and intentions. I cannot interfere with everyone's choices, but I want to tell you: do not miss this opportunity. Blindly following, or choosing a clear direction and looking with a purified heart—it is actually quite clear. If you are only opposing for the sake of opposing, I have nothing to say. The appearance and disappearance of this group may all be within the Causal Conditions, including my appearance now. I can return to the Western Land at any time; I do not necessarily have to continue transmitting this message. Because it is magnificent, I want to do my part. I solemnly appeal to the public: face it bravely. Come to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, and all the truth can be brought to light. I hope for brave, benevolent people to emerge. Namo Amituofo."

Sheng Yen, written by hand.

Message content recorded by the Buddhist disciple Shi Faxi.