Death, Immortality, and the Path Beyond Suffering

This message was recorded on July 4, 2017, as a spiritual communication from the late Venerable Master Sheng Yen. Having sought deliverance through the compassionate guidance of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, the Venerable Master now resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. In this letter, he addresses the fundamental nature of life and death, offering profound insights into the possibility of liberation from illness and the cycle of rebirth.

Venerable Master Sheng Yen speaks:

"Death is an inevitable conclusion, but illness is not necessarily so. Whether one can remain free from sickness depends entirely on how one practises."

The Inevitable Shadow of Death

"The cycle of rebirth is a grave matter. Do you all agree? Death is terrifying, yet it is an unavoidable fact. There will come a day—the moment your breath ceases—that is the reality. No matter who you are, how wealthy you may be, what high status you hold, or even if you are an eminent monk or a person of great virtue, it seems there is a day when you will disappear from this world. For almost everyone, death is a fear that cannot be erased; it is an infinite shadow. Because of fear and the unknown, there is so much speculation and suspicion, which is why people are so unsettled. In truth, people wish to escape this fixed destiny of life and death, yet they deeply believe it is an unchangeable fate. People must die, so even if there were a gate to immortality, they would rather believe it to be a deviant path. This is humanity—a contradictory character. People would rather trust their own intuition and experience. If one could break through this, perhaps one could draw closer to the true path of liberation: immortality."

The Truth of the Dharma Body

"Regardless of whether you—the fourfold assembly of Dharma Drum Mountain, or all the Venerables—believe this or not, it is a true fact. You may investigate it, though there is no need to do so. The sutras have already clearly told us: the Truth is the gate to immortality. The spirit can be unborn and undying. This physical body will certainly die; that is beyond doubt. However, if one can attain a state of ease, once the heart is at ease, where is there room for fear? Death is an inevitable conclusion, but illness is not necessarily so. Whether one can remain free from sickness depends entirely on how one practises."

Reflections on My Own Passing

"Speaking from my position, this may seem inappropriate, as I passed away while suffering from illness. My manifestation was not that of a practitioner without sickness. My followers believe this was a teaching demonstration by their Master, and I am comforted that you think this way, but the reality is not so. My physical ailments at that time, such as the deterioration of my kidneys, were progressive changes I could not stop. If I had known this then, perhaps I could have truly stopped it, but I no longer have a body. Dying from illness was the final outcome. It is difficult for me to convince people of this now, but if your heart has been touched, believe in this true spiritual power. This is the Truth. You should not ignore your feelings; face them directly. This is real. If this can be propagated, it will save a vast number of people. To be free from illness and to be at ease in life and death does not cost a single cent. This is a dream that so many people desire, but can you achieve it?"

A Call to Authentic Practice

"In truth, it is not an illusion, nor is it empty talk. When you understand the truth of things, you will find that it is not simple; it requires practice. Why is it that Sheng Yen of Dharma Drum Mountain is now speaking so sternly and clearly? It seems different from when I was alive, but what is being expounded is the Truth. Whether this is so has become a cloud of doubt in many people's hearts. You do not need to believe whether I am correct now or if this is all a fabrication. I only want everyone to avoid the cycle of rebirth and to find the true meaning of life during these few short decades in the world. That is enough. I do not need everyone to trust me or to create a sensation about my existence again. I only wish to save the world. Everyone must live well and practise well. That is all I ask for."

The Standard of a True Bodhimanda

"Regardless of your mindset, you must not get sick. You must change your character and practise authentically. This place can provide the propagation of the Truth because these people have walked the path. What they practise is something you may not yet be able to endure. The fundamental holding of the Truth is complete no-self; it is a total absence of ego. How difficult is it? It depends on how much you can achieve. You can see it here in this true bodhimanda. It is not that one praises oneself that makes it a true bodhimanda. Whether it is so is determined by the Truth of the universe and the ghost deities of the void. The establishment of a bodhimanda is not easy, partly due to the interference among ghost deities. But if the ghost deities can be convinced, it means your practice has achieved success and virtue. Whether it is true or false, your own authentic exploration will be the most accurate. No one wants to miss the traces of the Truth. If you miss it this time, it is not just a pity; who knows how long it will be until the next opportunity? To be in sync with the true Buddha’s teachings and the great compassion of the Buddha-heart is very difficult given the complex thoughts of the human world. Everyone grows old because they think too much. I know very well that what you trust most is the voice within your own heart, so you might as well verify it yourself. Everything here is completely open. I only hope that everyone does not miss the opportunity to achieve. Regardless of your duties, your ability, or your aptitude, there is no discrimination. You have the power and the opportunity to achieve, to be free from sickness. It depends on whether you are willing to give yourself a chance. The closer this world gets to the Truth, the harder it is to promote. Namo Amituofo."