Teachings from , as recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Shi Haize, on the twenty-fourth of June, 2023.
The sky above the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre often reveals profound celestial phenomena during our . These shifting sights are not merely atmospheric changes; they are a window into the spiritual realms, allowing us to witness the immense suffering of sentient beings and the earnest prayers they bring to this sacred place.
The Mist of Suffering
When the temple and the surrounding sky are shrouded in a thick, white mist, it is a sign of the many souls who have gathered here. As you look out across the landscape, you see this white mist blanketing both the earth and the heavens. Within this mist are countless suffering beings who have come to seek rescue. They are pleading with Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su to help them leave suffering behind and find a path to liberation.
The Dark Clouds of the Demon Realm
At other times, the sky above the temple may darken, filled with heavy, grey-black clouds. These dense layers of storm clouds often signify the presence of the Demon Realm. These beings approach the ceremony for various reasons:
Some come to surrender, sincerely seeking so that they may be liberated from their state.
Others come to observe the proceedings of the assembly, testing whether the temple possesses the spiritual power to move these dark clouds and perform the necessary deliverance.
The Radiance of the Western Pure Land
In contrast, there are moments when the sky turns a brilliant, deep blue, adorned with drifting white clouds. As you watch, these clouds shift and transform, thinning into delicate wisps that dance like colourful ribbons in the wind. Most remarkably, these clouds often manifest as the shape of a blooming lotus flower from the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. These thin, ethereal lotus petals unfold layer by layer across the sky, covering half the horizon above the temple. When you look up and witness this, it is truly a breathtaking sight.
This is a sign of the celestial beings from the heavenly realms and the holy assembly coming together to offer their auspicious praise. They are waiting for Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su to guide them toward rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This is a scene that can be perceived by the physical eyes of those present.
The Unseen Multitude
Simultaneously, there are many other sights that the physical eye cannot perceive, yet they are clearly visible to Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su. You might see celestial beings kneeling upon the clouds, accompanied by heavenly musicians playing divine melodies and celestial dancers performing in the air. Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su see these beings and understand how deeply and earnestly they long to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
Furthermore, in the sky, above the temple, or even upon the ground, beings from the Milky Way and their craft often appear, seeking the energy and light that radiates from this holy site. These are the celestial phenomena that manifest during the Thrice Yearning Ceremonies at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. They appear time and again, revealing a reality that exists beyond our limited vision—a reality that Namo Amituofo, Practitioner Su, and the spirits themselves can clearly perceive.
The desire of these countless spirits to leave suffering behind and reach the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss is profound. Namo Amituofo knows this, and Practitioner Su knows this. It is my hope that all the students of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre also come to realise this truth. Awaken, rise up, and practise with diligence to achieve breakthroughs in your own cultivation. Join Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su in the great work of saving the world and guiding all beings to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
