The Illusion of the Physical Body and the Nature of Water

Teacher: Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju

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

22 November 2025

The Fluid Nature of Existence

When water molecules exist in the air, they manifest as humidity. When they gather in the vast sky, they accumulate to form clouds. When they collect in the depths of the ocean, they become the sea. Every single water molecule is a spirit, an independent entity. This spirit is formless, yet it resides within the tangible water molecule. This is much like our true self, which is also formless, yet it resides within our physical body.

The ocean is composed of countless water molecules. When the wind blows, it stirs the ocean, creating waves. Each wave is made up of innumerable water molecules, and no two waves are exactly the same. When conditions arise, different water molecules gather to form a wave. When the conditions fade away, the wave returns to the vast ocean, and the countless water molecules disperse, drifting to unknown destinations.

The Body as a Gathering of Spirits

Our physical body is similar. When the conditions for our birth arise, the body is formed by the coming together of countless spirits, including the four elements of earth, water, fire, and wind. Just like the universe itself, our body contains not only our true self but also a vast multitude of other beings. These include the spirits of our cells, our ancestors and teachers from countless lifetimes, our karmic creditors, our family members, attached spirits, and even demon crowds.

When the conditions for our life fade away, the elements separate. The countless spirits within the body depart, each dispersing to unknown destinations. We often mistakenly believe that this physical body is who we are. We spend our entire lives caring for it with the utmost devotion, constantly indulging in the satisfaction of its desires, and in doing so, we create endless sins through every thought and intention.

The Illusion of the Self

When this body finally dies and the elements separate, the body becomes still and begins to decay. At that moment, is this body still you? Where have you gone? Think deeply: is it truly worth it to spend your life caring for this body, satisfying its every craving, and allowing your karma to cycle through it, all while suffering the pains of birth, aging, sickness, and death?

Can you realise that this body is merely a false vessel, and that everything we experience is like a dream, an illusion, or a bubble? The fourfold assembly must understand clearly that this body of impermanence is merely a phenomenon of arising and ceasing. It is a false body, not something that will last forever.

Awakening to the True Self

Therefore, do not hold onto it with attachment. Do not waste your precious time and life on this fleeting form. Instead, you must engage in True Cultivation. Use your limited time and life to elevate the quality of your spirit and to seek out your infinite true self. By doing so, you will leave suffering behind and find true happiness, ultimately returning to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Namo Amituofo