Bearing the Suffering of Sentient Beings: An Interview with Skanda Bodhisattva

The Profound Nature of Selfless Compassion

To bear the suffering of sentient beings is a task that can only be achieved by those who are entirely selfless and have attained the state of no-self. This act is one of the supreme virtues manifested by Buddhas and Bodhisattvas as they walk within this world. Because these awakened beings truly perceive the immense suffering endured by all beings, they are able to remain with an unmoved mind. They do not allow their thoughts to be stirred by the laws of karma and cause and effect, nor do they seek any reward for their actions. Out of a deep desire to save others, they are willing, without complaint or regret, to use their precious, awakened bodies to bear the suffering that manifests from the karma of others.

In the ordinary world, we often speak of Collective Karma. This refers to situations where beings who have created similar causes in the past encounter the same conditions, leading to the same fruits of suffering. However, the act of bearing the suffering of sentient beings is fundamentally different. In this case, the Bodhisattva or awakened being has not created the same karmic causes as the beings they are helping. Yet, because the spiritual foundations are now fully matured, the beings are able to receive the teachings and benefits of the Dharma. Through this guidance, the suffering that was destined to manifest can be transformed, delayed, or even avoided entirely. The karmic creditors of these beings may then attach themselves to the one who is providing the teaching. Because the karmic result has already been formed, even the body of a Buddha, Bodhisattva, or awakened being must endure this consequence. This is the unyielding nature of the laws of karma and cause and effect.

The Path of the Bodhisattva and the Dharma Affinity

It is common for parents to be willing to suffer on behalf of their children. From a worldly perspective, we see this as a parent's selfless love. However, when viewed through the lens of the laws of karma and cause and effect, this is often a relationship defined by Collective Karma within the cycle of rebirth. It is not a case of suffering without cause. True, selfless sacrifice—where there is no shared karmic debt, yet the being is willing to bear the suffering of others without complaint—is the unique path of the Bodhisattva. They do this solely to prevent beings from suffering or to alleviate the pain they must endure. This is a rare and magnificent occurrence, and those who encounter such a being are truly blessed with tremendous blessing.

Meeting a Buddha, Bodhisattva, or an awakened being is a magnificent Dharma affinity. Therefore, you must not overlook any opportunity, no matter how small, to build a broad connection with others through the Dharma. In future lifetimes, the small seeds you plant today may grow into the magnificent fruit of being able to encounter a Buddha or Bodhisattva once more. Every action taken by the fourfold assembly at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, and every thought or intention that arises, is an opportunity to plant the seeds for future salvation. If you act with a sincere heart, the result is a tremendous blessing; if you act without attachment, the result is merit that is beyond measure.

The Responsibility of the Fourfold Assembly

Human life is limited in duration. Your time at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is precious, and you must understand how significant it is to be in this sacred place. It is a rare opportunity to truly avoid the suffering of the cycle of rebirth and to enter the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss directly. If you can grasp this truth, you have broken through the obstacles of your karma and planted a good cause. Even if you were to leave this place for various reasons, the good cause you have planted may still lead you back to the temple to continue your Dharma affinity. However, if you are physically present in the temple but cannot truly believe in the work being done, or if you harbour doubts, you are being obstructed by your own karma. If you leave under such conditions, you are being led by your karma, and it will be difficult to turn back, ultimately leading you back into the suffering of the cycle of rebirth. The fourfold assembly must be extremely cautious regarding this.

Within the body of Practitioner Su, the work of inviting spirits to be saved continues. There are still many beings waiting to be liberated. This is because Practitioner Su is bearing the suffering of sentient beings. Unless these beings are willing to resolve their original suffering, Practitioner Su must continue to bear this pain, one instance at a time, to bring the karmic cycle to a conclusion. Only then can these beings receive the good fruit of meeting Practitioner Su and finding their way to the Western Pure Land. This is the reason why beings are invited, then invited again, in an ongoing process. If the fourfold assembly can truly change the self, personal ego, and selfishness and engage in deep repenting, the beings who are awakened will be able to see this and become willing to resolve the conflict, thereby reducing the suffering that Practitioner Su must bear. It is my hope that the fourfold assembly will understand this principle and remain vigilant, always striving to change their ways and never repeating their past mistakes.

Namo Amituofo.

Recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.