The Gratitude of the Earth: An Interview with Skanda Bodhisattva

The Compassionate Heart of a Bodhisattva

When Practitioner Su went out yesterday, he witnessed the earth, the grass, and the trees flourishing with vibrant life. The greenery was lush and abundant. The earthly creatures were no longer suffering from the drought that had plagued them before. Seeing this, his heart was filled with immense joy. This joy, which arises from seeing beings leaving suffering and gaining happiness, is a natural expression of the heart. He felt that all the suffering he had endured on behalf of these beings was entirely worthwhile. This is the heart and action of a Buddha or Bodhisattva: to let go of the "self." Everything they do is for the sake of all beings. This is true compassion, a quality that is sorely lacking in the world today.

The Modern Crisis of Gratitude

People today live in relative abundance. Modern children, in particular, are treated as precious treasures by their elders. Everything is prepared for them, and they are shielded from even the slightest hardship. Consequently, they have become accustomed to receiving without understanding the meaning of Generosity. They take everything they possess for granted, unaware of the hardship involved in obtaining these things, and they lack a heart of gratitude. Those who do not know how to be grateful are often dissatisfied. They do not understand the laws of karma and cause and effect, and they may even deny their existence. This is the blind spot in modern life. People live unhappily, feeling a sense of lack, complaining, and becoming easily angered. They constantly seek external stimulation to compensate for the emptiness within, yet they do not realise that the root of all problems lies within their own hearts. They should look inward to reflect and improve; only then can they find true satisfaction and happiness.

The Importance of Buddhist Education

This is also a matter of one's character and habits. Sometimes, we cannot blame such people, for they lack the guidance of a true spiritual friend to help them discover the treasures within their own hearts, to see their own strengths, and to see the suffering of others. They have no opportunity to realise how rich their own lives truly are. This requires the guidance of a true spiritual friend and the support of good Causal Conditions. This is where Buddhist education becomes vital, highlighting its immense importance.

Transforming Karma Through Diligent Practice

Beings in the Dharma-Ending Age live in a world of turbidity, karma, and suffering. They often live their lives driven by the momentum of their own karma. If one encounters a true spiritual friend in this life, one has the opportunity to receive teachings, allowing one's inherent good roots to sprout. Only by changing one's heart and character, and by adjusting the "self," personal ego, and selfishness, can one have the chance to transform karma. Otherwise, one can only continue to live a life of unhappiness, seeking external satisfaction. Such a life is like a rolling snowball; the problems only grow larger and heavier. Thus, one remains trapped in the cycle of rebirth, living a life of endless suffering. This is the current situation for most people. Practice is about adjusting these incorrect views, perspectives, and behaviours. It is about refining the long-standing habits of the mind and changing personality traits. Only then is it possible to transform karma and live a life that is no longer dictated by the momentum of past actions.

The Boundless Deliverance of Beings

This is not an easy task. However, if you wish to stop being controlled by your karma and instead live a life of true autonomy, freedom, and clarity, you must do this. It requires immense perseverance and determination to overcome these problems. Furthermore, to let go of the "self," to be selfless and without ego, and to live entirely for the sake of all beings—this is a profound undertaking. To encounter such a great spiritual friend is a rare opportunity, and it is the tremendous blessing of the beings who have this affinity. Students of Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, you are those with such good fortune! You must grasp this hard-won opportunity. Hold onto it tightly and study diligently. Only then can you be worthy of yourselves, worthy of Namo Amituofo, worthy of the Teacher, and worthy of Practitioner Su.

It has been over a month since Practitioner Su began the work of inviting the spirits within his body to leave. In this time, immeasurable and boundless beings have been invited out. They have all been sent to the Western Land of Dharma Nature, and in the future, they will surely enter the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This is the tremendous blessing of the beings who have encountered Practitioner Su. Practitioner Su said, "The land along the way through Goombungee, Toowoomba, and Brisbane was once a stretch of withered grass. Now, after our prayers for rain were answered, it has become a vast expanse of green. All the suffering my body has endured is now entirely worthwhile!" These words have been received by all beings. Therefore, the spirits, the earthly creatures, and the flowers, grass, and trees all express their heartfelt gratitude to Practitioner Su whenever he passes by. They thank him for teaching them to chant Namo Amituofo. Truly, because Practitioner Su is able to accomplish such things, all the suffering he has endured is worth it. Skanda Bodhisattva offers his deepest respect to Practitioner Su.

Namo Amituofo.

This message was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.