teaches us that there are many moments in life when we find ourselves unable to maintain control over our own bodies and minds. We often experience situations where we feel helpless, such as when we face the natural processes of ageing, the onset of illness, or the sharp pangs of physical pain. In these moments, we may desperately wish to return to a state of strength and vitality, yet we find ourselves unable to do so. This lack of autonomy is even more profound when the time comes for the four elements of our physical existence to separate. When our breath ceases and we are unable to draw another, the spirit must leave , marking our final departure from this world.
Furthermore, this lack of control manifests during our daily practice. When you engage in prostrations, chanting Namo Amituofo, reciting the Sutras, or participating in the , you may find yourself slipping into a state of . You may wish to remain alert and clear-minded, yet you find it difficult to wake up. This is a clear sign that your has drifted into other spaces, beyond your own command.
The Hidden Influences Behind Our Actions
Why do we lose this sense of autonomy? It is because, in those moments, it is not your true self that is in charge. Instead, your actions and thoughts are being directed by other forces:
: Those to whom we owe debts from past lives, who seek to influence our current state.
Attached spirits: Beings who have attached themselves to our energy field, clouding our judgement.
Demon crowds: Negative influences that seek to lead us away from the righteous path.
If you were to have the eyes of an awakened being, you would see these influences clearly. Because these external forces take control, we often commit errors of body, speech, and mind. We find it difficult to change our ways, repeating the same mistakes over and over again. Consequently, our spiritual achievements remain stagnant, and we cannot make genuine progress on the Buddha's path.
Reclaiming the Sovereignty of the True Self
To be truly autonomous, one must ensure that the true self is the master of the house. This is achieved through the diligent practice of the , Concentration, and Wisdom, as well as the Six Perfections. By applying these methods, we assist our own practice, allowing for purification, and then more purification. This is the only way to reach , to save ourselves, to save others, and to eventually attain Buddhahood.
Those who have achieved this autonomy are the ones who have realised their true nature. Their Body-Mind-Spirit are in perfect harmony. With the true self in command, they direct this physical body to carry out the work of saving beings, fulfilling the vows of the Buddha in every action.
The Compassionate Work of an Awakened Being
An autonomous practitioner is capable of delivering lectures and teaching the . Through their words, they enable beings in the spirit realms and people in this world to hear the True Teachings. They help others recognise their own faults so that they may change their ways. Most importantly, they guide all beings to understand the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way, revealing the true reality of the universe.
With the natural manifestation of their —eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind—they are able to act at any time and in any place. Under the of Namo Amituofo, they use their to perform for sentient beings and perform Chao Du for demonic beings, guiding them into the Western Land of Dharma Nature at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre.
The Ultimate Freedom of the Pure Land Path
Those who have attained this state of autonomy enter into the wisdom of the Buddha through the power of . They gain the freedom to travel back and forth to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss at will. They have achieved the ultimate mastery over life and death. With this profound ability, they dedicate themselves to helping all spirits and beings to chant Namo Amituofo, ensuring they are reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Namo Amituofo.
