The Preciousness of Life

The Dual Paths of Existence

Life can be a series of events where one achieves nothing of lasting significance, or it can be the very vessel through which you realise your true nature and attain Buddhahood. It can be a period of time that is simply allowed to pass in vain, or it can be a dedicated opportunity to serve all sentient beings. How do we, as we navigate the cycle of birth, aging, sickness, and death, measure the true weight of our merits and our faults? Within the framework of the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way, there is naturally a clear assessment of our lives.

Wisdom and the Path of Practice

Whether a person remains in a state of confusion or achieves a degree of awakening depends entirely on their understanding of the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. It also depends on how much of that understanding they put into actual practice. This is the fundamental difference between wisdom and ignorance, and it is the standard by which our merits and our faults are distinguished. We must ask ourselves: how deep is our commitment to the Truth, and how consistent is our practice in our daily lives?

The Growth of the Spirit

The true preciousness of life lies in the fact that the spirit within the body is the master of this physical form. We must ensure that our spirit grows through our experiences in this life rather than withering away. We must strive to ensure that our spirit is elevated through our actions rather than falling into lower states of existence. During this limited span of life, you must make good use of your body to help your spirit grow and ascend. Through dedicated practice and the purification of your body, mind, and spirit, you can directly assist in the elevation of your spiritual quality until you finally realise your true nature and attain Buddhahood.

A Priceless Legacy

Within the constraints of our limited time, we must pass on the teachings of the Pure Land and the method of realising one's true nature and attaining Buddhahood. By cultivating individuals who can achieve this awakening, we help the world find relief from suffering. When we chant Buddha's name and seek rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, we are no longer bound by the cycle of birth, aging, sickness, and death. When we achieve this, our body and our spirit become more than just valuable; they become truly priceless.

A Call to Diligence

My dear children, the goal of realising your true nature and attaining Buddhahood is worth every ounce of your fiercely diligent practice. The work of saving sentient beings is worth dedicating your entire life to, following the Buddha step by step. We must help everyone to understand their suffering, to release that suffering, and to leave it behind as they find their way to rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Namo Amituofo.