Teaching and Learning: A Letter from Zhao Puchu
The Thirty-fifth Letter of Zhao Puchu, Former President of the Buddhist Association of China
Recorded on September 6, 2017
The Weight of Past
The karmic sins I have committed and the mistakes I have made in the past are difficult to rectify. Throughout the endless cycle of being reincarnated, the memories of those past lives have long been forgotten, deeply locked away within the storehouse . Those whom I have harmed—perhaps they were once my friends, family members, lovers, followers, or even enemies—remain trapped in the sea of suffering. They continue to endure the pain of their past lives, and my heart aches with profound sorrow as I witness this. Who truly understands their suffering? Although I have now reached the of Ultimate Bliss, I watch their agony with my own eyes, yet I find myself unable to lead them out of their misery.
To my friends who are still living in this world, do you realise that throughout our accumulated lifetimes, we have created immeasurable and boundless karmic sins? There are countless spirits waiting for us to save them. We should not focus so much on the appearance of our physical bodies; instead, we must strive to develop our inner potential to its fullest. This inner potential is the communication between spirits and the inherent power of our true self. Unfortunately, very few people today are able to rediscover their true self.
The Illusion of Modern Practice
The distinction between the monastic community and the laity is becoming increasingly blurred. Even those who have shaved their heads and become monastics often lead lives that are indistinguishable from the secular world. They live together under one roof, performing morning and evening lessons and holding regular assemblies. When they see a constant stream of followers, they feel filled with , mistakenly believing that their practice is effective. Yet, their temperaments remain exactly as they were before they left the secular life. Who among them dares to claim that they have no remaining habits? Who can truly say they are not moved by the trends of the secular world?
Everyone carries a modern smartphone, and every day, their minds are filled with worldly affairs. This is not how one should study the Buddha’s teachings. I, Zhao Puchu, feel a deep sense of lamentation. I sincerely hope that every disciple of the Buddha can attain the great cultivation necessary to perform true for the spirits, and at the very least, begin by saving the attached to their own bodies.
The Truth About Deliverance
I understand that many of you may be quite confused. You might ask, are our Dharma assemblies not already performing the work of saving spirits? I can answer you honestly: it is a form of deliverance, but it is merely deliverance in form. In reality, the spirits have not truly been saved. Your rituals and the scale of your ceremonies may be magnificent, but the spirits are often still wandering around you, entering your bodies, or hovering above you. This is a truth that you must know and must face; I see it with absolute clarity.
If you still possess a compassionate heart and wish to save sentient beings, or if you no longer wish to carry the burden of the laws of karma and cause and effect, I urge you to set aside your pride, your suspicion, and your distrust. Come and visit the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. Here, you will find a new perspective and an opportunity for genuine learning.
A Path of Mutual Growth
This temple is a bodhimanda where Namo Amituofo truly abides. Because this is the case, it must possess a method of practice that is worthy of study. Within the Buddha’s gate, there is no opposition, no comparison, and certainly no hierarchy. There is only mutual assistance and mutual growth. Working together to save sentient beings is the true path of a practitioner with great . Let us strive to leave suffering behind and find happiness, not just for ourselves, but for all beings who are waiting for our help.
Zhao Puchu
Recorded by 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