Lay Down Your Armour, Stop Evil and Practise Goodness
The Thirty-Ninth Letter of President Zhao Puchu
Recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Shi Fajing
The Illusion of the Warrior's Path
The education we receive in schools teaches us to compete and to struggle against one another. Society, in turn, encourages us to climb over others to reach the top. We are surrounded by endless conflicts, all driven by the desperate need to be first, to be the king, and to survive while others are eliminated. When you win against another, you are told that you are not a weakling. The very word 'win' is designed to trigger of pleasure, satisfaction, and secret pride. In our current reality, such behaviour is considered normal and even expected.
Consider the consequences of this 'warrior' mentality:
- Constant Innovation as Conflict: So many inventions and products are created not for the benefit of all, but to outdo competitors and capture the market.
- The Cycle of Obsolescence: Society is rapidly discarding the old for the new, creating a world of constant replacement and instability.
- The Armour of the Ego: Everyone is forced to wear heavy armour, arming themselves as fierce soldiers, holding swords and attacking their perceived enemies.
This has created a 'world of battle' where peace is forgotten. What grieves me most is that this battlefield does not exist only in the secular world. It has infiltrated the very gates of our temples. We see internal struggles and hidden agendas that mirror the power plays of ancient imperial courts. Is this what we have come to? Is this a 'pseudo-compassionate '? Surely not. The magnificence of the Buddha’s teachings should not be destroyed, and the true essence of practice should not be insulted.
The Urgency of the Worldly Realm
The world needs people who will stand up with strength to turn the tide. Yet, in the vast ocean of suffering that is this worldly realm, the shore seems nowhere to be found, and the speed at which we are sinking is only accelerating. My friends in this world, if you could truly see your future home, you would never dare to act so recklessly again. It is tragic that so many believe they are guaranteed a good rebirth or a favourable destination. How foolish this is! You cannot be certain of regaining a human body, let alone achieving the path to becoming a Buddha.
We have reached a point where all manner of evil deeds are rationalised. Because 'everyone is doing it,' people no longer see their actions as sins. This terrifying mindset and atmosphere have long since invaded the of every person in this world. Today, only the True Teachings can alter this destructive trajectory. This is a critical and urgent moment in history. For the sake of all spirits and beings in this worldly realm, we must have the True Teachings to transform everything.
The Beacon of Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre
We must turn away from evil and embrace Goodness. We must allow all people to rediscover the pure, innate kindness within their hearts. We must let the sound of the Dharma shake the very foundations of our souls and transform our inner cells. Today, the only place I see that can act as this powerful force for change is the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia.
When you read these words, I urge you not to let your heart rise in backlash or doubt. This is a temple recognised by the spiritual realms. It is silently performing the work of saving beings and practising Goodness, even while the world remains ignorant and fails to understand the truth of reality. If you are willing to contribute to the salvation of this world, I sincerely invite you to set aside your suspicions. Take the time to understand the practice at this temple. It is worthy of your participation. Join us as a member of those who work to save the world, helping all people to lay down their armour, stop evil, and practise Goodness.
Namo Amituofo
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About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library