Recorded and transcribed by ’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe, on November 12, 2023.
The Boundless Expanse of Emptiness and the Realm
Emptiness is vast and boundless, stretching beyond the limits of our imagination. It contains countless stars, galaxies, diverse spaces, and an infinite number of beings. The Earth upon which we reside is merely a tiny, infinitesimal part of this great emptiness. In contrast, the Dharma Realm is the world where the Buddha’s teachings and the true reality of the Truth reside, such as the ten directions of the Dharma Realm.
We must distinguish between these two concepts: Emptiness is a concept of space, encompassing the ten directions of the universe. The Dharma Realm is a concept of the Dharma, which governs all phenomena, principles, the interaction between principles and phenomena, and the interaction between phenomena and phenomena.
The Unobstructed Nature of the True Self
When you realise your true nature and attain , the distinction between emptiness and the Dharma Realm dissolves. They merge into one unified whole. At this moment, your manifests. Consequently, emptiness and the Dharma Realm become places where your Dharma Body can reach and reside without any limitation.
Emptiness and the Dharma Realm contain and encompass one another without any obstruction. Your true self also exists in this state of perfect harmony, containing and encompassing all things without hindrance. Within this unified state, you will find that phenomena are unobstructed, principles are unobstructed, the interaction between principles and phenomena is unobstructed, and the interaction between all phenomena is unobstructed. This state is revealed within your true self and is simultaneously manifested throughout the entire Dharma Realm.
as a Microcosm of the Universe
Those who have realised their true nature feel deep for all beings. Through the power of this compassion, they actively assist beings to leave suffering behind and find happiness through rebirth in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. Your physical body is much like the Earth or the vast emptiness; it contains countless beings within it.
Every single cell in your body is a living being. Throughout different times, spaces, or within the six realms of existence, these cells have formed karmic relationships with your . However, these cellular beings also possess their own true self. Therefore, when you, the master of this body, realise your true nature and transform your into wisdom, the cells within your body undergo a similar transformation. They too realise their true nature and become manifestations of your transformed body.
The number of these cellular beings is countless, and the manifestations of your body are equally infinite. This is the manifestation of the Dharma Body and the function of the transformed body of one who has realised their true nature.
The Precious Opportunity of Human Life
For spirits who are practising within the vast emptiness and the Dharma Realm, especially those who exist as spirits without a body, the path to purification is arduous. They must rely on their own practice or the act of benefiting other beings to purify their spiritual nature. Whether considering one's own spirit or the greater environment of the Dharma Realm, one must cultivate goodness to have any opportunity to elevate their spiritual standing.
Beings who reside in the pure and virtuous Buddha lands have the greatest opportunity to realise their true nature and attain Buddhahood. For instance, in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, one has the benefit of immeasurable light and immeasurable life to practise until they realise their true nature and attain Buddhahood. This is made possible by the power of Namo Amituofo’s Forty-eight Great Vows. In contrast, most spirits are caught in the cycle of good and evil, lacking the purity and goodness required to have a clear opportunity for awakening.
Knowing this, you should realise how magnificent and rare it is to obtain a human body. It is a precious chance to engage in True Cultivation and to enter the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. Do not let this opportunity pass you by.
