The Pandemic: A Message from Namo Amituofo

On the ninth of March, 2020, Venerable HaiZe approached Namo Amituofo with a question regarding the global pandemic. With many regions suffering from the outbreak, she asked how the morning Chao Du could best assist the beings involved. Namo Amituofo provided the following compassionate guidance.

The True Nature of Global Illness

What was once referred to in ancient times as a plague is known today as an epidemic or infectious disease. Regardless of the terminology, these events pose a significant threat to human life. We must understand the fundamental principles governing these occurrences:

• Scope: The scale of an outbreak can be vast or limited, depending entirely on the collective karma of the beings involved at that time.
• Duration: The length of time an epidemic persists is not fixed; it fluctuates according to the collective state of the human heart and mind.
• Victims: Those who fall ill are connected by specific karmic affinities and shared collective karma. The severity of their symptoms is further determined by their individual karma.

These are the basic truths of how such phenomena manifest in our world.

The Spiritual Reality of the Virus

To assist effectively, we must first have a correct understanding of the situation. Every single cell involved in a pandemic is an individual entity with its own spirit. These cells are part of the universe. Even those that have mutated, changed form, or altered their nature are simply different types of cells within the larger biological framework.

Normally, cells coexist harmoniously with the human body. However, mutated cells cause harm to the body's normal functions. The degree of this harm depends on the extent of the mutation. Highly aggressive cells cause severe damage, leading to organ failure and death, which naturally fills people with fear and anxiety. The most common symptoms often begin in the respiratory system, as the moment one's breath stops is the moment life in this body concludes.

Why is it that modern epidemics often catch us unprepared, spreading with such speed and causing such great harm? It is because modern humanity relies heavily on strong self-defense. As soon as discomfort is felt or a pathogen is identified, we develop stronger drugs and methods to eradicate it, leaving the pathogen no room to survive. Yet, these pathogens are also living cells. In such a hostile and unfriendly environment, the cells that manage to survive must possess special abilities and immense vitality. Consequently, in the absence of effective countermeasures, they become the source of great harm to the opposing side—humanity. This is the nature of the relationship between humans and the current pandemic.

Karmic Affinity and the Individual Experience

Why do these mutated cells attach themselves to certain individuals and cause them to fall ill? The Alaya consciousness stores the memories of all our accumulated lifetimes. This is true for humans, and it is true for cells as well. Cells are also participants in the six realms of rebirth. As part of the collective karma, they possess their own consciousness and karmic seeds. Just as cells have life cycles, so too do mutated cells.

When we view these mutated cells with this perspective, we realise they carry memories from the past. Invisibly, they share a connection with beings from past lives. If they encounter these beings in this life, a natural attraction and attachment occur, resulting in the manifestation of symptoms. This explains why some individuals fall ill while others do not. Everything is governed by the laws of karma and cause and effect.

No one knows if they are a host for these mutated cells. At such times, the positive or negative energy within one's body is influential. Those with strong positive energy and correct thoughts can weaken the intensity of the mutated cells. Even if they are attached, their symptoms will be mild or non-existent. Conversely, those with strong negative energy will only strengthen the mutated cells upon attachment. Ultimately, the outcome is a result of the struggle between these forces. Worldly affairs follow these natural laws, and the mutated cells act according to the principle of karmic creditors seeking balance.

Cultivating the Light of Compassion

Compassion, kindness, and sincerity are the best ways to interact with others and with the earth itself. Such a person naturally radiates positive energy and attracts positive forces. Conversely, selfishness, hypocrisy, and insincerity radiate negative energy and attract negative forces. This is a natural law that includes the laws of karma and cause and effect. It requires Buddhist education and the guidance of a virtuous teacher to help people see the truth of these matters clearly.

The Path of Deliverance and Healing

The Buddha’s teachings are never separate from the world; they exist to resolve the various sufferings of the world. Mutated cells are also sentient beings. Resolving or reducing the harm caused by a pandemic is akin to resolving the collective karma of karmic creditors. It requires great power, great vows, and great practice.

Mutated cells possess their own thoughts and consciousness. If we wish to resolve this, we must enable the mutated cells within the affected individuals to listen to the sutras and hear the Dharma. They must come to understand the suffering of the six realms of rebirth and the cycle of revenge. They must realise the beauty of the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, witness the magnificent Buddha-light, and receive the merit and power of the Buddha-name. This will also assist in the repair of the damaged cells within the body.

If the entire environment cooperates, the effect will be even better. Under the Buddha's blessings, sentient beings can leave suffering behind. Every connection has a beginning and an end; the duration of this time is determined by karmic conditions. To change karma, one must rely on both self-effort and the power of the Buddha. If Practitioner Su vows to save these beings, he will surely receive the protection of the Buddha and the heavenly deities. During the morning Chao Du, visualise the places harmed by these mutated cells. Visualise all spirits bathing in the Buddha-light, chanting the Buddha-name together, and being delivered to the West. By transforming the negative energy of the region and shifting this collective karma, the harm can be minimised. This is the supreme method for saving the world.

If organisations or institutions are willing to hold Dharma assemblies and actively perform Chao Du while adjusting the human heart, the results will be even more profound. The Thrice Yearning Ceremony is a vital method for delivering mutated cells, karmic creditors, and victims to the Western Pure Land or to a good realm. Before the pandemic subsides, at every Thrice Yearning Ceremony, one should set up two large memorial plaques:

• The first plaque: List the names of the mutated cells, the countries or locations currently affected, and the wish for all victimised beings and mutated cells to be delivered, regardless of number or representation.
• The second plaque: Invoke the Buddha-light to shine upon the damaged organs and cells of those affected by the mutated cells, wishing for their repair and deliverance, regardless of number or representation.

Namo Amituofo