The Fleeting Journey of Human Life

Recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

Life is a fleeting journey, a brief passage through this world. When we reach the end of our time here, we must pause to reflect: what have we truly left behind? What have we accomplished for the benefit of all beings? If we have lived without purpose, leaving nothing of value and offering no service to others, we may find that we have only accumulated a heavy burden of karma, sin, and deep emotional scars. In such a case, this life becomes a journey of debt, a cycle of loss that leaves the spirit impoverished.

The Ledger of a Life Well-Lived

Conversely, if you have dedicated your time to serving others and have left behind seeds of Goodness, you are building a life of true wealth. Even after accounting for the karma you have created, if there is a surplus of merit, your life is considered prosperous. In this way, even a fleeting journey through this world gains profound meaning and lasting value.

The Unyielding Mirror of Karma

However, it is vital to understand that merit and demerit cannot simply cancel one another out. Goodness brings its own good fruit, while negative actions inevitably lead to their own painful consequences. The laws of karma and cause and effect are absolute and precise. The interplay between the Goodness and evil within the human heart is not new; it is a repetition of patterns from our past lives. We have often lived through these same situations before, only with the roles reversed. This is the typical state of beings who have not yet learned how to transform their karma.

The Dawn of True Awareness

If, during this fleeting life, you are able to transform your karma through diligent practice and the development of meditative concentration, you will find that your awareness begins to rise. When you possess this clarity, you can ensure that the situations you encounter do not enter your consciousness. You will no longer be in sync with your past karma, and you will no longer be tormented by the manifestations of your past deeds. This is the moment when the opportunity for becoming an awakened being truly arises.

A Precious Sanctuary of Light

As we move through this life, we must ask ourselves: how much time is truly left for us to be together here at Hsiang Kuang, in the presence of the Buddha, the Master, and Practitioner Su? You must cherish this precious period and apply yourself to diligent practice. Do not let these moments slip away in idleness.

The Compassionate Shield Against Interference

Even when you face intense interference—what we might call demon crowds or karmic tests—you have a way forward. If you can listen to the counseling of the Buddha, the Master, and Practitioner Su, you will find the strength to change your personality traits. You must actively work to let go of your attachments to this physical body and see through the emotional entanglements and worries that cloud your heart. By walking the right path without deviation and treating every person, object, and event with selflessness and Goodness, you can overcome any obstacle. To dedicate your heart entirely to the service of all beings is the most effective method for responding to any interference you may encounter.

Life is fleeting, but it is also a precious opportunity. You should actively seize this time at Hsiang Kuang to transform your karma, reach the state of an awakened being, and save all beings.

Namo Amituofo