The Crucial Path to Rebirth
The Thirty-Eighth Letter of Venerable Master Sheng Yen
Recorded on July 25, 2017
This letter was recorded on July 25, 2017. Venerable Master Sheng Yen, having sought deliverance, now resides in the of Ultimate Bliss. In this message, he addresses the importance of causal conditions and the necessity of true practice at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre.
Venerable Master Sheng Yen speaks:
"The convergence of timing and circumstances, combined with sincere dialogue—this is truly magnificent and rare. People, events, time, location, and objects: these are the most ordinary and familiar elements of our causal conditions. They are both empty and real. If there is any flaw within these elements, the matter will not be complete. If even a small component is missing, the task cannot be accomplished, and success cannot be achieved. These seemingly insignificant causal conditions are often the vital units that facilitate everything. When the right conditions arise, you must seize them firmly. This is especially true when it comes to the matter of rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
The Illusion of the World and the Reality of Death
If one were to measure and weigh all the causal conditions and phenomena in this world, I can tell you now, based on what I know: they are all false. Even if there are varying degrees of urgency or importance, once an event has passed, it is undoubtedly false. Nothing remains. However, there is one thing that exists from beginning to end, and that is death. Death has the power to end the occurrence and continuation of all causal conditions, and it is undeniably real. No one denies this causal condition; in fact, everyone fears the day it arrives. I wish to share with you the importance of rebirth. It is about taking this very causal condition of death and guiding it toward a new beginning—a new set of causal conditions. The causal conditions for rebirth do not have to mean the total annihilation of everything; rather, they represent a rebirth of all things. This is extremely important, and I hope everyone will deeply realise this truth.
The True Purpose of Practice
What is the purpose of spiritual practice? Is it not to transcend birth and death and escape the three realms of samsara? If this ideal seems too profound or difficult, then consider the simplest and easiest perspective: are you not here to practise to find peace of mind? Or perhaps you are seeking physical well-being, free from illness and suffering? But how should you walk this path? The truth is that one must have the right causal conditions in place. People today have lost sight of this way of thinking for far too long. However, there is a place where this is currently being put into action: the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. This is where true practice is happening. I hope that all of you will engage with this place and share with one another how to encounter good causal conditions—how to face life and death without fear and secure a genuine rebirth in the Western Pure Land.
A Message to the Fourfold Assembly
When Venerable Guodong comes to visit this place, there will surely be magnificent and wondrous causal conditions that unfold. To my Sangha children and the fourfold assembly of disciples whom I hold in my heart: do not worry. Your Master is currently working to connect you with these very conditions, ensuring that each of you can achieve a perfect and complete rebirth. I hope that you will take these words of your Master to heart. Namo Amituofo."
Written by Venerable Master Sheng Yen.
Recorded by the chief writer, disciple Shi Faxi.
More from Master Sheng Yen
The Truth Beyond the Dharma Drum
A candid reflection from the late Venerable Master Sheng Yen on his life, his journey through the afterlife, and his urgent plea for his followers to seek rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
Breaking Through the Karmic Conditions of the Past
Venerable Master Sheng Yen reflects on his life, the weight of his karmic debts, and his profound gratitude for the opportunity to deliver sentient beings through the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre.
The Burden of a Master's Legacy
Venerable Master Sheng Yen reflects on his past life, the weight of his karmic debts, and his profound gratitude for the deliverance offered at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre.
The Cycle of Reincarnation: A Final Warning
Master Sheng Yen reflects on his past teachings, the limitations of self-power practice in the Dharma-Ending Age, and the urgent necessity of the Pure Land Dharma Gate for true liberation from the six realms of rebirth.
More by Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
The Final Curtain Call of Chu Ke-liang
A candid reflection from the late Taiwanese entertainer Chu Ke-liang on his life, his career, the karmic weight of his influence, and his ultimate deliverance to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.
The Soul's True Equality: A Conversation with Mahatma Gandhi
This is a record of an interview with Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life and his journey to the Pure Land.
A Reflection from the Western Pure Land
This is a record of an interview with Zhao Puchu, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life in the 20th century. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa Hui, on April 18, 2026.
The Truth Behind My Rebirth: A Message from Liu Suqing
Liu Suqing, the elder sister of the renowned practitioner Liu Suyun, shares her harrowing journey through the spirit realms and her ultimate deliverance to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss through the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre.
The Burden of a Historical Name
This is a record of an interview with Lin Biao, who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life approximately 54 years ago. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa, on May 18, 2026.
The Poet’s Journey to the Western Pure Land
A reflection on the life, tragedy, and ultimate spiritual liberation of the ancient statesman Qu Yuan, who found peace through the teachings of Practitioner Su.
About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library