The Barbarians of the Grasslands Seeking Deliverance through Practitioner Su

On the twenty-fifth of February, 2018, during the Thrice Yearning Ceremony, the disciple Venerable Shi Faxi humbly approached Namo Amituofo to seek guidance regarding the memorial tablets for Practitioner Su. The atmosphere was filled with a solemn sense of purpose as the teachings of the Buddha were sought to address the deep-seated suffering manifesting within the physical form of the practitioner.

The Call for Deliverance from the Grasslands

Namo Amituofo provided profound guidance, speaking of the path of origin and the journey of the spirit towards the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. The spirits residing within the legs of Practitioner Su, particularly those causing pain in the left leg, the groin, and the sciatic nerve, stepped forward to share their sorrowful history. They identified themselves as a tribe of barbarians from the vast grasslands. In their past lives, they were skilled horsemen who lived a life of freedom and harmony with nature. However, their peace was shattered when an imperial army invaded their lands without warning. Many of their kin were slaughtered, leaving the survivors filled with a burning, vengeful rage. They spent years planning their revenge against the dynasty that had destroyed their home. This cycle of hatred and war robbed them of their happiness and left them trapped in a state of perpetual suffering.

They explained that they had gathered here because many of the Han people who had once attacked them were now reborn in this vicinity. They sought vengeance, yet they found themselves surrounded by countless other beings also waiting to exact their own retribution. Their suffering had never ceased, and they now looked to Practitioner Su for Chao Du, hoping to be liberated from the pain of their past and to return to the peace they once knew. The memorial tablet for these beings was established as follows: Practitioner Su's legs, particularly the left leg, groin, and sciatic nerve pain: The barbarians of the grasslands, persecuted by the imperial court, suffering the pain of war and extermination, having karmic affinity with the fourfold assembly, seeking restoration, purification, and peace of heart, to return to the past, in the hundreds, represented by Yiya Laisexin (already entered the Western Land of Dharma Nature at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre).

The Manifestation of Demon Nature

Venerable Shi Faxi inquired further, asking if the vast multitude of beings mentioned were also residing within the space of Practitioner Su's legs. The response revealed a sobering truth about the nature of our own internal struggles. These beings were described as a group of figures dressed in black, employing cruel methods upon the body of Practitioner Su. They identified themselves as the demon nature of the fourfold assembly of disciples. Because of the stubbornness and disobedience inherent in the personalities of these disciples, they often caused harm to Practitioner Su. These manifestations are a direct reflection of the internal states of the fourfold assembly. If everyone can change their temperament and rectify their character, these negative manifestations will naturally subside. The memorial tablet for these beings was established as follows:

• The Spirits of Demon Nature: These beings represent the negative personality traits and disobedience of the fourfold assembly of disciples. They are countless in number, and their presence is a call for all practitioners to cultivate humility and obedience. The representative for this group is Qiu Yihai, who has now entered the Western Land of Dharma Nature at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre.

The Demon Tigers of Natural Karma

Venerable Shi Faxi then asked if there were other beings within the legs of Practitioner Su, particularly within the tendons and bones. The spirits revealed that there were indeed others. These beings are the natural karma resulting from the constant changes of all things in the world. They have been sealed beneath layers upon layers of heavy stone, and they now seek to break free. They are described as giant, powerful beings, referred to as the demon tigers from beneath the earth. In the past, they held great influence and were vast in number. They now plead for the saviour to help them escape the suffering of their long imprisonment. The memorial tablet for these beings was established as follows:

• The Demon Tigers of Natural Karma: These beings represent the natural karmic forces of the universe, sealed away by the weight of their own past actions. They are countless and seek the compassionate Chao Du of Namo Amituofo. The representative for this group is Mo Ersi, who has now entered the Western Land of Dharma Nature at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre.

Purification of the Head and the Atmosphere

Further guidance was provided regarding the head, eyes, and ears of Practitioner Su. These areas were suffering due to the accumulation of spirits seeking Chao Du through the act of spiritual deliverance. Additionally, the atmosphere itself, including the dust storms and particulate matter in the skies of Hong Kong, was found to be filled with countless spirits seeking liberation. These spirits, existing within the air, the space, and the clouds, were also in need of purification and peace. Memorial tablets were established for these groups, represented by Lin Si'en and Huang Anmin respectively, both of whom have now entered the Western Land of Dharma Nature at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre.

The Small Universe Within

As Practitioner Su experienced changes in her bodily functions and felt the vibration of her internal organs, Namo Amituofo offered a final, profound discourse. The verse spoke of the fragmented state of the people's hearts and the countless beings seeking liberation through the resonance of the sutras. The internal collisions within the body are a process of renewal, and the suffering endured is a testament to the vow to act on behalf of all beings. The work of saving the world is not easy, but through sincere practice and the absolute power of the Buddha's teachings, one can manifest the truth for all to see.

The internal organs of Practitioner Su, including the stomach, oesophagus, and intestines, were described as a small universe filled with countless spirits kneeling and pleading for Chao Du. These beings, having benefited from listening to the sutras and participating in the Dharma assembly, are now gradually being liberated. They seek to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. We must remember that the vow of the Buddha to save all beings never ceases, and through our collective sincerity, we can help these spirits leave suffering behind and find true happiness. Namo Amituofo. The memorial tablet for these beings was established as follows: Practitioner Su's internal bodily functions and internal organs: For the masses who have benefited from listening to the sutras and participating in the Dharma assembly, to clarify the mind and understand the truth, and for the internal beings and spiritual attachments gradually departing, countless in number, seeking Chao Du and rebirth in the Western Pure Land, represented by Hu Xinhuan (seeking restoration, purification, and peace of heart, already entered the Western Land of Dharma Nature at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre). Another tablet for the stomach, oesophagus, and intestines: Filled like a small universe, countless spirits kneeling and seeking Chao Du, represented by Shen Zhibang (seeking restoration, purification, and peace of heart, already entered the Western Land of Dharma Nature at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre).