Facing the Fear Within
The Twentieth Letter of President Zhao Puchu
August 10, 2017
President Zhao Puchu of the Buddhist Association of China
August 10, 2017
President Zhao Puchu:
Are you at peace in your heart? Have you ever taken the time to truly observe your inner state? Have you ever reached out to comfort and cherish that inner self, instead of tormenting and abusing it? It is time to stop the cycle of self-inflicted suffering and begin the journey toward genuine healing.
The Universal Shadow of Fear
This sense of unease and fear is something every person carries. For some, it manifests clearly in their external behaviour, while for others, it remains deeply buried within the hidden chambers of the heart. Whether it is displayed openly or concealed in the shadows, this fear is a genuine, living presence. It waits for moments when you are off guard, allowing you to catch a glimpse of it, to feel its cold touch upon your spirit.
What are these moments when you are off guard? They are the times when life exceeds the boundaries of your ability to manage or control. In those instances, panic and anxiety inevitably arise. Namo Amituofo, in His infinite , has guided the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre to reveal the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. This truth tells us that there is not a single thing you can truly master. In other words, there is nothing you can claim as your own to control. Everything is under the influence of karmic forces, and we live our lives in a state of constant panic and unease.
The Illusion of Mastery
Does this revelation shock you? Does it leave you feeling confused? This is only because you have long been accustomed to being controlled. You have become so habituated to the inability to be the master of your own life that you have come to view this state of helplessness as normal. You remain in a passive state, drifting through existence. When fear strikes, you feel physical discomfort—your breath becomes shallow, your heart races, and you are overcome by panic and instability.
How do you face these symptoms and sensations when they arise? Do you reject them? Do you try to avoid them? Do you suppress them? Or do you truly face them? In truth, very few people truly face their fear. To face it genuinely, one must uncover the real cause. This cause is difficult to prove through the lens of modern science.
The Hidden Truth of Our Being
However, through the compassion of Namo Amituofo, the facts of reality are laid bare: every single cell in your body is a sentient being, and every one of them is exerting control over you. Friends in this worldly realm, I too once lived in this world. I, too, was once controlled by fear and anxiety. Today, I have attained liberation, and I wish to tell you all that there is hope.
Namo Amituofo offers His compassion as your refuge. You only need to visit the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. Namo Amituofo is truly present here; invite the Buddha into your home. This is the path to leaving suffering behind and finding true happiness.
President Zhao Puchu
This message was recorded by the Chief Writer, the Buddha's disciple Shi Fajing.
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About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library