Not Belonging to the World

This interview was recorded on October 2, 2018, featuring Master Shengchang, who offers profound insights into the nature of existence and the path to liberation. The record was transcribed by the chief writer, Shi Faxin.

Master Shengchang speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Master Shengchang. In truth, I have never truly come to this world. Everything that happens within this worldly realm is something I treat with a light touch, a mere passing shadow that I do not even feel the need to remember. My essence does not belong to this world. Ever since I began my practice, my heart has already arrived in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

All the sutras and books found in the human world exist for one purpose: to adjust and refine this heart of ours. I constantly provide teaching to my own heart: the heart that has learned to let go belongs to the Western Land, while the heart that remains constricted and fearful is still trapped in the void of the worldly realm. The very heart that seeks to learn the Dharma does so to escape the dust and grime of worldly life."

The Dust of the Worldly Realm

"What is this 'dust' we speak of? It is the swirling yellow sand, the relentless winds that obscure our vision. Three hundred and sixty trillion years ago, we were all children of the Western Land. How did we end up scattered across this worldly realm, only to find that 'dust returns to dust, and earth returns to earth'? In the grey, hazy confusion of this life, it is so difficult to find our way back to the light. I look upon the dust, the sand, and the stones of this world, and I feel a profound sorrow.

Standing both within and outside the void, I have saved countless beings from this dust and earth. Even now, I remain in this worldly realm to help protect and guide those with complex, tangled thoughts. Every tiny speck of dust that stains the spirit is a tragedy. The fabrications of our thoughts all stem from this uncontrollable body. Our habits have locked us away, layer by layer, in a prison of our own making."

The Body and the Buddha-Name

"I have observed the influence of the physical body on the spirit closely, and I see how it dictates everything. To truly help beings, one must not only engage in repenting for the spirit but also ensure the body is in harmony with that repentance. Only then can a being truly let go. There are fifty trillion pores on this body; they can be empty, or they can be filled with the weight of our attachments. Every change in the body originates from the mind. When you find that you cannot master your own body, you must rely on the power of this Buddha-name.

The long road of practice is the journey toward Awakening. Do not let yourself be manipulated by this physical shell. Our time in a human body is short, but with great courage and strength, we can achieve a liberation that comes from both the body and the spirit. I am in the Western Land, yet I am also here with you, sharing in this struggle and encouraging you forward.

Namo Amituofo."