The Infinite Starry Sky and the Capacity of the Mind

The Boundless Expanse of the Universe

The starry sky beyond our known universe is immeasurable and boundless. It stretches out into an infinite horizon, and even as one travels further, it remains vast and endless. Does it have an end? It may, or it may not. It all depends on the mind-capacity of the observer. If your mind-capacity is infinite, it can contain the infinite, and the universe you perceive will be boundless, without any end.

However, if your heart is already full—if you believe you have already attained enough, or if your mind is already cluttered with too many things—then the scenery you perceive will appear to have reached its limit. You will no longer be able to see any new sights or perceive the myriad things of the universe. This is because your mind is already so full that it cannot accommodate anything else. Even if you were to try to add more, it would simply overflow. Therefore, even if the sky above you is filled with stars, you will remain unable to see them. You simply cannot see!

This is not determined by any external force or ruler. It is a natural phenomenon, a fundamental truth of existence. It is determined by the energy and the space emitted by the heart of the individual—what we call the mind-capacity. If your mind-capacity can only receive so much, you will only see so much. Can this be changed? Yes, it can. All dharmas are mind-only.

The Transformation of the Mind

An awakened being, while in a state of deep meditative concentration, can perceive infinite transformations without ever moving their original, true heart. Conversely, if one’s mind is filled with delusions, afflictions, and attachments, one may also perceive infinite changes, but these only serve to:

• Compound delusions with further delusionsLayer afflictions upon existing afflictionsDeepen attachments with even more rigid attachments

The results of these two states are vastly different. The awakened heart resolves all phenomena without moving its original nature; any suffering or worry naturally dissolves as the external environment changes, leading to true liberation. In contrast, the mind trapped in delusions and attachments does not reduce its suffering. Instead, it accumulates various invisible karmic forces that one mistakenly believes do not exist. By the time you realise the cause of your suffering, you have already endured much hardship and travelled many wrong paths. You may think that things have improved on the surface, but in reality, you have merely shifted the problem into a different form, or perhaps it has simply become temporarily invisible to your eyes.

The Universal Principle of Harmony

The Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way do not change simply because one exists in a different spatial layer. This is why the natural world and the universe can coexist without interfering with or disturbing one another. Most life forms understand this principle and follow the footsteps of their predecessors, living peaceful lives without overstepping their bounds. However, if some beings develop thoughts of greed, malice, harm, persecution, or interference, they disrupt the natural orbit of harmony and mutual assistance. This leads to various changes in the natural environment, which directly limit or harm the growth of life. This is not a state that anyone wishes to see. Yet, once such disruption occurs, one must face the consequences, even though the original state of perfection has been lost. Only by choosing to quickly repent, change their ways can these harms be halted. Indeed, quickly repent, change their ways is one of the fundamental truths of the natural operation of the universe.

The Lesson of Respect

The flourishing of all things can be seen in the prosperity of a nation, in favourable weather, and in the orderly progression of the four seasons. Modern people often view these concepts as archaic, old-fashioned, or even beneath them. They feel these ideas are incompatible with modern civilisation, yet they fail to realise that these are the essential elements and fundamental conditions for life to exist. When these elements are lost, life encounters problems, which eventually manifest as disease. Have we not already experienced the painful reality of illness and death, standing helpless as we are struck by epidemics? In this very lifetime, the SARS outbreak experienced by the middle generation is the most direct and profound example. This was a lesson learned because people neglected to show respect and reverence for nature. It was a fact of nature striking back, and humanity, despite calling itself the most intelligent of all beings, could only suffer the attack without the ability to counter it.

The Responsibility of the Wise

Humanity, as the most intelligent of all beings, should possess the tolerance and reverence to lead and care for all things. All things include both sentient life and the inanimate material world. They all possess a spirit and are capable of communication. At the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, this phenomenon has been opened up by Practitioner Su, and it has been verified through the experiences of many disciples who can communicate with the Dharma Realm. Because this is no longer unfamiliar to you, you should be even more humble and modest. You must not act according to your own selfish desires as you did in the past. Instead, you should understand the habits and temperaments of others and treat them with respect, engaging in rational and wise communication. Do not simply demand that others comply with your unilateral needs, as this rarely works and often leads to retaliation and harm. Too many lessons have taught us that such a cycle leads only to mutual destruction or even greater harm to humanity. Therefore, people today are beginning to understand the importance of environmental protection and ecological conservation, and are willing to practise these principles and abide by relevant regulations.

The Path to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss

Looking at the entire starry sky, the interstellar space, or the Milky Way—from the smallest planet to the entire cosmos—each has its own history of existence, destruction, and regeneration, as well as its own cyclical trajectory. If the younger generation can learn from this history to avoid or reduce disasters, they are wise leaders. If they ignore, attempt to erase, disregard, or block the learning of others, they are the creators of disaster and danger. However, who meets whom, what actions are taken, and what the consequences will be—this is all governed by the laws of karma and cause and effect, by karma, and by Collective Karma. Only the power of the Ultimate Vow and great compassion can transform, change, or alleviate this Collective Karma. Under the leadership of Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su, the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is doing exactly this.

Disciples, no matter what setbacks, difficulties, or obstacles you encounter, you must believe that the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, along with Practitioner Su, are always ready to extend a helping hand. However, there is only one condition: Faith, Vows, and Practice. You must have deep faith, sincere vows, personal practice, and personal verification. The Buddhas and Bodhisattvas can assist you, but the decision of which path to take rests with you. Will you choose the path of the six realms of rebirth, or the path to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss?

At this time and in this place, you are already on the path to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Do not look back or hesitate; you must continue to move forward! Disciples, every one of you has countless sentient beings with karmic affinity who are waiting for you to save them.

Spoken personally by Xianshou.

Message recorded by Venerable HaiZe.

Namo Amituofo