The Nature of the Three Hun Souls and Seven Po Souls

A Discourse by Namo Amituofo

Recorded by Venerable HaiZe on September 16, 2018

Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre2 min read0 views

This is a record of a discourse by Namo Amituofo, recorded by the disciple Venerable HaiZe on September 16, 2018, at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre in Australia.

Namo Amituofo speaks:

"The three hun souls and seven po souls are naturally whole. Yet, in the world, people allow them to become scattered and chaotic. Greed, anger, delusion, arrogance, and doubt never cease. The —wealth, lust, fame, food, and sleep—follow the person everywhere. When these souls leave , they wander off on their own. While the person is still alive, their soul is already hollow. Upon death, the intermediate state follows the thoughts of the deceased. They are then reincarnated into another life."

The Consequences of a Scattered Spirit

Venerable HaiZe speaks: "Namo Amituofo, if a person's three hun souls and seven po souls are taken away while they are still alive, how can they be reincarnated or achieve rebirth in the Western Pure Land after they pass away?"

Namo Amituofo speaks:

"Regardless of where the intermediate state resides, one is reincarnated according to their thoughts and their negative . If other souls have left the body and have not returned before the person passes away, they will each receive the consequences of their own negative karma. If they have not repented or changed their ways, they cannot be reborn in the Western Pure Land. The souls will remain where they were at that time, and that location becomes the place of their next life.

Each soul must bear its own retribution. The intermediate state can also sense this. If the intermediate state is disturbed and restless, it is often because the body and mind are abnormal. This may manifest as incomplete Six Roots, a broken body, or a that is difficult to keep clear."

The Path to Wholeness and Rebirth

"If one has cultivated extensive , the souls that have left the body can return to it. When the intermediate state has all three hun souls and seven po souls gathered together, they enter the cycle of the six realms of existence as a complete being. This is how one becomes a person with a sound body and mind, possessing intelligence, wisdom, and quick reactions. Their Six Roots are all complete, without any defects.

If you ask what is required for rebirth in the Western Pure Land? The intermediate state is the primary focus, while the others are secondary. Only when all three hun souls and seven po souls enter the Western Pure Land can one be considered a complete spirit. Always reflect upon your own heart. By repenting and turning towards goodness, and by accumulating blessings, you will naturally be able to achieve a peaceful body and a settled spirit."

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About the Author

Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre

Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library