The Heart of the Buddha: Spirits and Humans

The Simplicity of the Spirit Realm

Those who dedicate their lives to delivering lectures and teaching the Dharma often share a profound observation: it is relatively easy to save spirits, yet it is far more difficult to save human beings. Why is this the case? It is because spirits are, in a sense, easier to teach.

A spirit does not possess a physical body. Consequently, they are not burdened by the presence of karmic creditors residing within their physical form, nor are they plagued by the complex phenomenon of spiritual attachment. When a spirit possesses the capacity for awakening and understands the nature of suffering—and truly desires to leave suffering behind—they are easily guided toward liberation. In this way, the process of Chao Du, or spiritual deliverance, becomes the most direct and effective method for saving sentient beings.

The Human Body as a Vast Universe

In contrast, a human being is a complex composite of karmic conditions. Our physical body is not merely a single entity; it is a vast, intricate universe. It is formed by the convergence of the four great elements—earth, water, fire, and wind—and is shaped by countless karmic conditions and their resulting effects. Within this single human form, there exists a multitude of inhabitants:

• Countless biological cells that function as the foundation of our physical life.
• Various karmic creditors who seek balance for past grievances.
• Attached spirits who have sought refuge or revenge within our energy field.
• Even crowds of demonic forces that may be drawn to our internal disharmony.

Because of this, human beings are difficult to teach and difficult to save. The human body is like a nation, and for that nation to find peace, every single inhabitant—the cells, the karmic creditors, the attached spirits, and the demonic influences—must be given the opportunity to listen to the sutras and hear the Dharma.

The Vital Importance of Hearing the Dharma

When these internal beings understand the truth and reach a state of awakening, they cease to cling to the past or to the various encounters they have had. They begin to realise that their current state is also a manifestation of their own karma. When they are able to see through these attachments and let go, they become willing to accept resolution and cease their interference with the human host.

Only when one is a true practitioner can one rediscover their original, true self. Only then can the true self take charge of the body, allowing it to function at its highest potential. This is why, for those who are dedicated to saving sentient beings, the act of giving lectures and teaching the Dharma is of paramount importance. Without the guidance of the Dharma, spirits in the spiritual realms have no one to teach them, and they will inevitably commit transgressions by interfering with human beings. However, when they are taught, they are easily transformed and can find stability. They will no longer commit wrongs or disturb others, which in turn allows human beings to find peace in both body and mind, enabling their own practice to proceed smoothly without external interference.

Cultivating the Path at Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre

At Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, we are situated in exactly such a supportive environment. In the broader external environment, we are blessed with the presence of Dharma protectors and the Western Land of Dharma Nature, which can help subdue and save spirits. Through the power of the Buddha—specifically the assistance of Namo Amituofo, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, and Practitioner Su—we are able to mediate and resolve these complex karmic entanglements.

Internally, however, the work of subduing the mind through the Three Learnings of Precepts, Concentration, and Wisdom, as well as the effort to change one's personality traits and practise with diligence, must rely on the self-power of the fourfold assembly of disciples. Only when we exert our own sincere effort can the power of the Buddha be fully received and applied. Therefore, all of you must practise with great diligence. It is of the utmost importance that you achieve success in your practice as soon as possible, so that you may save yourselves and then go on to save other sentient beings, guiding them toward rebirth in the Western Pure Land.

Namo Amituofo.