The Karmic Schemes of the Heart

The Awakening of Compassionate Intent

On the twenty-sixth of April, 2017, the practitioner Faxi sought guidance regarding a session of chanting the Infinite Life Sutra with Practitioner Zhuo. During their practice, Faxi felt the presence of many spirits connected to Practitioner Zhuo. Faxi contemplated that if the sutra could purify his own karmic creditors and those around him, perhaps he could also help save the spirits manifesting through Practitioner Zhuo. However, he felt his own spiritual skills were limited. He wondered if these spirits would be willing to listen to him. He decided to chant with greater volume and sincerity, hoping that the righteous energy of the Dharma would transform and influence their negative vibrations. After chanting several chapters, he noticed a positive response. He then asked Namo Amituofo if it was appropriate to use visualization—to stand as a conduit for the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way without interfering with the laws of karma and cause and effect, allowing the spirits to hear the resonance of the Dharma. Faxi asked Namo Amituofo if he could visualize himself entering the throat of Practitioner Zhuo to reach the spirits residing there.

Namo Amituofo replied that he certainly could. As Faxi’s head and forehead were bathed in the warm, radiant Buddha-light, he entered the space within Practitioner Zhuo’s throat. He discovered that she was tightly clinging to memories of mistreating servants and maids in a past life, which had caused her throat to become naturally hoarse. Faxi addressed these spirits, asking if they were willing to let go of their resentment. He recited the text of the sutra to them, teaching them the Dharma. The spirits responded that they were indeed willing to let go. As Practitioner Zhuo began to cough, the sound of her voice became noticeably clearer and more relaxed.

Healing the Echoes of Past Resentment

Faxi then observed that Practitioner Zhuo’s heart felt constricted, filled with fear and timidity. She seemed to be holding onto a deep-seated terror of the spirits she had invited, as well as an inability to face her own past habits and the panic stored within her consciousness regarding the use of magic in previous lives. Her head was filled with densely packed thoughts that affected her entire body. Faxi asked Namo Amituofo if he should continue to visualize within her head and heart. Namo Amituofo instructed him to proceed with the visualization in these two areas. He explained that whatever degree of release occurred should be accepted according to karmic affinity. At the very least, it would help Practitioner Zhuo understand that all things have causes and conditions. If one can reach a state of no-thought, where there is no attachment to appearances, one can achieve true transformation. Namo Amituofo encouraged Faxi to continue reciting the sutra.

Namo Amituofo further instructed that one should constantly visualize the Buddha-light shining upon the practitioner. The power of one’s vows and the power of visualization can save immeasurable and boundless beings. He encouraged Faxi to fully utilise these skills. At 5:39 in the morning, Faxi asked if he could place a large, radiant Buddha-light bulb within Practitioner Zhuo’s head and heart, so that it might shine continuously 24/7. Namo Amituofo confirmed that all such visualizations could be granted.

Illuminating the Constricted Heart

Faxi asked if the spirits of the servants, maids, palace maids, eunuchs, and consorts could be released, and he noticed that Practitioner Zhuo’s voice had already become calm and stable. Namo Amituofo advised that a memorial tablet should be written to show respect to these spirits. He explained that during the time of the Rebirth Verse after the ceremony, the Buddha-light would guide them to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss or to listen to the Dharma. When the Buddha-light shines and the cool, refreshing water of the Dharma is poured out, all beings can be purified and restored. Namo Amituofo reminded Practitioner Zhuo that she must also strive to break through her own limitations. Through the power of visualization, her thoughts had become more orderly and peaceful, her heart was more settled, and her throat condition would gradually improve and could even be fully healed. She must practise diligently, think carefully, and have faith in the Buddha.

The Radiant Light of Infinite Vows

Namo Amituofo urged all practitioners to continue reciting the sutra. The Buddha-light would continue to shine gently, not only upon Practitioner Zhuo but upon all the children of the Buddha. Wherever the sound of the chanting reaches, the spirits there are also included; all are one body. One should not have divergent thoughts. All practitioners must understand this true principle: the entire universe is constantly watching and understands every thought and intention. One should not indulge in self-obsession or self-attachment, for this only creates obstacles. It is not worth it. One must know that all things are illusory. The Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre needs to manifest in this world, and everyone must work even harder and progress with greater diligence.

Returning to the Source of Purity

When Faxi directed his focus toward the fifty trillion cells of Practitioner Zhuo’s body, he did not use a specific visualization, but simply hoped they would benefit. As he recited the chapter on the defiled and evil world of suffering from the Infinite Life Sutra, he heard the spirits respond, confirming that the descriptions of past ignorance and wrongdoing were accurate. Faxi told the spirits that Practitioner Zhuo had been ignorant in the past, but now, using the sutra as her Precepts, she would never act that way again. The spirits accepted this and departed to the place of the Buddha-light. This message was recorded by the Buddha’s disciple, Shi Faxi.

Namo Amituofo