The Fragility of Life and the One Breath

Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, recorded by Venerable HaiZe.

On the twenty-fifth of March, 2022, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju offered these profound insights regarding the nature of existence and the transition between life and death.

The Fleeting Nature of a Single Breath

Life is sustained by a single, continuous breath. As long as this breath remains, we are alive; once it ceases, we are gone. The boundary between life and death is defined entirely by the presence or absence of this one breath. This truth does not apply only to human beings; it is the fundamental reality for all sentient creatures, including animals, insects, and every living spirit that inhabits this world.

Because life is so incredibly fragile, one must ask: what is there to be greedy for? What is there to be angry about? Why do we remain in such deep ignorance, refusing to listen to wise counsel or change our ways? What is there to be arrogant about, and why do we harbour so much doubt? Can these Five Poisons—Greed, Anger, Ignorance, Arrogance, and Doubt—truly help you keep this breath in your body for even a moment longer?

The Journey of the Spirit Beyond the Form

Even with the most advanced medical care, we can only provide temporary assistance to the respiratory system. The breath itself is the protagonist of our physical life, and it does not always choose to cooperate. It is not guaranteed that we will be granted even a few more inhalations. When we reach this stage of life, we must consider the nature of our spirit. Where does our true essence reside at such a moment?

The spirit does not die when the body fails. It may be trapped, confined to a corner of the body, weeping in solitude and sorrow. Alternatively, if the physical body has already passed away, the spirit may become a wandering soul without a vessel. In other cases, the spirit may be reincarnated, taking on a new body and, consequently, a new name. It is only through the possession of a physical body that we can experience the rhythm of breathing. Without a body, the spirit drifts through the cycle of rebirth within the Dharma Realm, each soul moving toward its own unique destination.

The Web of Karma and the Compassion of the Enlightened

In this cycle of rebirth, spirits are often disconnected from one another, existing as individual entities. Who truly knows whom? Most relationships between people in this world are built upon the laws of karma and cause and effect, or upon mutual interests. These connections are often transient and conditional.

Only the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and true spiritual friends offer selfless support. They work tirelessly to help every individual grow, leave suffering behind, and find happiness, without ever asking for anything in return. It is through the existence of this very breath that we are currently connected to one another. We must cherish this opportunity to interact and support each other on the path to awakening.

The Sacred Purpose of Our Remaining Time

In summary, this breath is exceptionally precious. While it still exists, you must use your time to perform meaningful actions that help both yourself and others leave suffering behind. Do not let your days drift by in a state of aimlessness, passing one day after another without purpose. Once the breath stops, it will be too late to regret the time that has been squandered.

Life and death are determined by whether this breath continues. For those of us who have chosen the path of a monastic, the true value of life lies in our dedication to helping all beings leave suffering behind and achieve rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. It is our sacred duty to ensure that the Buddha’s teachings and the Pure Land path are transmitted forever.

Namo Amituofo