Striving for Time: The Preciousness of Human Life

The Fleeting Spark of Human Existence

My children, how long is a human life? If we consider it within the context of the six realms of rebirth, it is longer than the lives of most beings in the animal realm. However, compared to the existence of other spirits within the spiritual realms, it is incredibly short—as brief as a spark that flashes and vanishes in an instant. When we contemplate our spiritual life, which has a beginningless past and an endless future, this human existence is but a fleeting moment in the vast expanse of eternity.

A human life is like a grain of sand, so inconspicuous that its existence might go unnoticed. Yet, despite its smallness, this human form possesses a unique capacity that other spiritual lives do not have. You have the opportunity to use this physical body to engage in True Cultivation, using the false to cultivate the true, and ultimately to see your true nature.

The Unique Opportunity of the Human Body

To become a Buddha is to achieve Awakening while possessing a complete Body-Mind-Spirit, thereby attaining the Buddha's path. Without this physical body, it is impossible to practise and attain Buddhahood. This is because the path to Buddhahood requires one to pass through various trials of the body. Even when this body is subjected to intense suffering, pain, and hardship, you must still be able to uphold your original vows. You must face these challenges without fear and break through them with unwavering resolve.

Most importantly, even in times of great difficulty, you must maintain a heart of pure Goodness. Do not allow your heart or your spirit to fall into degradation due to illness, suffering, or the influence of external environments. Even if you encounter obstacles or feel trapped, do not be afraid. If you can face these challenges and overcome them, it will assist in the growth of your heart and spirit. It will allow you to remove the impurities of your heart and spirit one by one.

The Path to Awakening

When all impurities are removed, the true light of your self-nature will manifest; this is the moment of Awakening. This entire process of practising and achieving Awakening can be completed in a single lifetime, during this period when you possess a human body. However, because human life is so short, if you reach the end of your life without having attained Awakening, you will be reincarnated once more. You will not know in which lifetime you will return, and you will have to start the entire process from the beginning.

In a single lifetime, you must accomplish the tasks of appearing in the world, hearing the Dharma, practising, and finally reaching Awakening. This is why you must strive for time. The time you have in this human body is extremely limited. You must not let a single minute or second slip away in vain. Do not waste your time on matters that are not beneficial to your practice or to the attainment of Awakening.

The Final Exhortation

While you still have breath, you must complete the work of Awakening and attaining Buddhahood. You must fulfil your vows to save yourself and to save all beings, guiding them to rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Every moment is precious, and every action should be directed toward this ultimate goal. Namo Amituofo.