The Infinite Dimensions of Existence

The Boundless Realms of Existence

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

On the twenty-eighth of July, 2024, during the midday offering, Namo Amituofo provided the following discourse regarding the nature of the various spaces and dimensions in which we reside.

The Diverse Landscapes of Our World

Human beings, along with an uncountable number of sentient beings from different dimensions, all dwell within the vast space of this Earth. When we consider our environment, we realise that there are countless distinct spaces overlapping one another. For instance, consider the bustling city centres where people gather to shop, conduct business, or seek entertainment. These are spaces defined by human activity and movement. As you travel along the roads, you pass through the open spaces of the countryside, where the landscape is filled with trees, flowers, and the natural beauty of the earth. Beyond these, there are the vast, quiet spaces of the mountains and the sea, which belong to the realm of nature.

Furthermore, there are the suburban spaces, such as large pastures and livestock farms. These areas serve as the living spaces for many animals, including cattle and horses, which graze upon the land; kangaroos, which roam the open plains; pigs, chickens, ducks, and geese, which are raised for various purposes; and domestic companions such as cats and dogs, which share our homes and lives. Every building you see, whether it is a modern structure or an ancient ruin, also contains the history of the different spaces that have existed there from the past until the present day.

The Unique Space of Each Being

Beyond these physical locations, every individual occupies a unique space of their own. This personal space is shaped by a multitude of factors, including your age and the stage of life you are currently experiencing; the roles you play, such as parent, child, employee, or practitioner; your gender and the specific life experiences that have defined your journey; your profession and the daily tasks you perform; and the specific locations where you spend your time. Because of these variables, every person exists in a different state of space. It is important to understand that even the objects you use, the food you eat, and the stationery on your desk are inhabited by various spirits. Each of these beings exists within its own specific dimension. When you consider the sheer number of these overlapping realities, it becomes clear that the total number of spaces is impossible to calculate.

The Mechanics of Consciousness

Sentient beings in these different dimensions live out their own lives, generally without interfering with one another. This is the true nature of the human world. The formation of these spaces is not accidental; rather, it is the result of the consciousness and thoughts of sentient beings, which create a natural barrier between one realm and another. Consider the state of being drowsy. When you fall into a state of drowsiness, you are essentially transitioning from your current space into the space of sleep. When you wake up from that drowsiness, your spirit is returning from that space of slumber back into the space where your physical body is currently located. This transition is a constant, subtle movement of consciousness between different dimensions.

The Universe Within

If we look within the human body, the complexity is even more profound. From the beginningless time of our spiritual life until the present moment, every sentient being with whom we have a karmic connection possesses a different space. Even within your own body, every single cell has its own unique space. Therefore, within this one physical form, there are countless spaces and countless sentient beings residing within you. Your Body, Speech, and Mind, as well as your thoughts, have the power to stir these spaces and the beings within them at any moment. This interaction triggers the laws of karma and cause and effect, leading to actions such as the settling of debts, where karmic creditors come to seek balance; the repayment of kindness, where those we have helped return to offer support; and the resolution of grievances, where past conflicts are brought to the surface. If these interactions are based on goodness, the outcome is positive. However, if they are based on evil, they result in suffering. This is why the practice of purification is so vital. By purifying your Six Roots and your Body, Speech, and Mind, you create the necessary conditions to transform your karma. This is the essential path for every practitioner who wishes to leave suffering behind and find true happiness.

Namo Amituofo