The Digital Age and the Path to Awakening

Teachings from Namo Amituofo, recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

On the twenty-first of March, 2025, during the midday offering, Namo Amituofo offered these teachings regarding the modern digital landscape.

The Double-Edged Sword of Technology

I observe that computers and the internet have become indispensable technological tools in our homes, schools, and workplaces. They have even become essential instruments for the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre to conduct Buddhist education and spread the Dharma. People across the world, including young children, use these devices ubiquitously, and the demand for such connectivity continues to grow without ceasing.

This is because technology offers undeniable benefits. For busy individuals, it provides:

• Rapid and convenient access to information and learning.
• Efficient methods for the transmission of messages and communication.
• Precise navigation and guidance for travel and logistics.
• Solutions to the diverse needs of every profession and industry.

However, this convenience brings with it significant challenges. The most concerning aspect is how easily these platforms cater to the curiosity and desires of children. The allure of various online games and digital content can lead to deep addiction, causing children to develop rebellious thoughts and behaviours that deviate from a healthy lifestyle. This, in turn, inflicts profound damage upon their physical health and their mental well-being.

The Hidden Spiritual Dangers

The most critical impact, which remains invisible to the naked eye yet causes immense interference, is the spiritual harm. The internet serves as a conduit for karmic creditors, attached spirits, and even demon crowds to exert influence and control over a person’s Body, Speech, and Mind. This leaves many individuals unable to maintain autonomy over their own actions.

Although this issue has begun to alert various sectors of society, there seems to be a collective powerlessness to halt its progression. As the days pass, the problems caused by these technologies are gradually masked by the very convenience they provide. Because adults themselves are often trapped in the cycle of digital dependency, they find it difficult to exercise self-control, and consequently, they struggle to guide their children effectively. This leads to a negative impact on the development of the child’s Body-Mind-Spirit.

The Erosion of Childhood Innocence

When children are raised with a permissive attitude toward technology, their Body-Mind-Spirit becomes polluted. Once this state of impurity has taken root, it is not an easy task to gather one's focus and undergo the necessary purification. The early years of childhood represent a golden stage for the cultivation of virtues such as:

• Compassion: Developing a heart that feels for the suffering of others.
• Goodness: Establishing a foundation of moral integrity and kindness.
• Gratitude: Learning to appreciate the blessings and support received from others.

Regrettably, in the current era, this golden stage of character development is being replaced by computers, the internet, and mobile phones. The natural, innocent instincts and the spiritual sensitivity of children are fading away, leaving little trace behind.

The Remedy of Constant Buddha-Recitation

Therefore, in our Buddhist education, we emphasise the importance of chanting Namo Amituofo 24/7 as the central pillar of our practice. We must begin this purification from within the home. When the adults in the household lead by example, the children will naturally be influenced and nurtured by the atmosphere of the Dharma.

Within the temple, unless it is required for official duties, individuals should refrain from visiting websites that feature games, entertainment, or frivolous content. This is essential to reduce the opportunities for the Six Roots to interact with external dusts, which only serves to create more karmic seeds. Even when one must use a computer or the internet for administrative tasks, I suggest the following practices:

• Play the name of Namo Amituofo in the background while working.
• Use headphones to listen to the Buddha-name to maintain personal purification.
• Deepen your understanding of the magnificence of the Buddha-name and the blessings received through the support of Amitabha Buddha.

Regardless of the circumstances, learning to use technology wisely without being controlled by it has become a vital task. In your practice, you must learn to utilise these tools for spreading the Dharma rather than becoming a tool of the technology itself. Whenever you are using these devices, keep the Buddha-name in your heart; this will surely assist in your purification.

Namo Amituofo