Living Freely in the World of Dreams

The Dream of Endless Reincarnation

Life is like a dream. Within this dream, we have reincarnated countless times, drifting through the cycle of existence without end. How many of us can truly say we are awake? When will we finally rouse ourselves from this long, slumbering state? The answer lies only in the magnificent Dharma affinity we encounter. Through the light of Buddhist education, we can finally perceive the truth of our existence. By seeking to rediscover our true self, we allow the light of our original nature to shine forth, effectively awakening those who are still lost in the deep confusion of this dream.

Awakening Within the Dream

Once you have awakened, you will see clearly that all beings are still suffering within their own dreams. To save them, the awakened practitioner must be willing to enter the dream again, even after having seen the truth. This is the path of the Bodhisattva: to know the dream for what it is, yet remain unconfused by its illusions. All conditioned phenomena are like the moon reflected in water—beautiful, yet intangible and fleeting. By establishing a bodhimanda that reflects this truth, we perform the work of the Buddha within the dream itself. Everything becomes clear and understandable.

Walking the Path of the Buddha

Even while living in a world governed by karma, one can still walk freely. Whether one appears to be playing in the human world or engaging in serious work, every action is performed solely to save beings. One who has realised their true nature flows naturally with the Dharma, ensuring that every thought and intention adheres to the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. By doing so, one does not create karma. This is what it means to manifest the Buddha-actions within the world.

The Perils of Worldly Attachment

If a practitioner has not yet realised their true nature, it is incredibly difficult to resist the temptations of the world. The allure of fame, wealth, and the Five Desires—coupled with the influence of the Six Dusts—is overwhelming. When we enter the world without this foundation, we are easily swayed by it. We become trapped in a cycle of creating karma, unable to let go of our personal ego, selfishness, and deep-seated habits. By failing to uphold the precepts, we risk falling into the hells, suffering the evil consequences of our own actions.

The Boundless Compassion of Deliverance

Those who have realised their true nature flow naturally with the Dharma, walking freely through all realms. Their scope for saving beings is not limited to the human world, nor to any specific country or region. Their compassion extends to all six realms of existence: the heavens, the human world, the asuras, the hells, the hungry ghosts, and the animal realm. Furthermore, they reach into the Four Sacred Realms—the Sravakas, Pratyekabuddhas, Bodhisattvas, and Buddhas. Whether in this world or other dimensions, even among the demon crowds, these beings are the objects of their Chao Du. Practitioner Su is one who flows naturally with the Dharma in this way, dedicated to saving beings. By spreading the six-character name of Namo Amituofo, they extend this deliverance to the entire Dharma Realm, the universe, the Earth, the heavens beyond the heavens, and even to those in alien realms or those influenced by demonic beings. Namo Amituofo.

Recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.