The Profound Structure of the Human Body
Teachings from National Master Xian Shou
Recorded on May 2, 2019
The electrical activity occurring within our cells is a natural phenomenon. These activities are inherent to the human body, representing the natural state of our physical existence. Life itself is a natural process that unfolds among all things in the universe. After a certain cycle, this life concludes, and the spirit disperses back into the vastness of space. There, it undergoes the matching process governed by the laws of and cause and effect. Once a match is made, the spirit arrives in a certain corner of the universe and assumes a new form.
The Natural Rhythms of Life
Whether it is a human body, the skin of a beast, or the form of an insect, the spirit rotates through these various states. During this process of rotation, the current physical body has no memory of the past. What retains these memories is the within the spirit. Without even realising it, the Alaya will draw in those with whom we have a karmic connection. These connections manifest as:
- Seeking to collect debts from the past
- Repaying debts owed to others
- Repaying a kindness received
- Resolving grievances and resentments
All the karmic connections surrounding us are woven together in this intricate manner. When will this cycle find peace? Those with a higher level of spiritual awareness will perceive this state of affairs and begin to search for the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way.
The Hidden Records of the Alaya Consciousness
Perhaps you have wondered why you possess thoughts that differ from others, or why your heart is filled with doubts. It may seem as though your inner thoughts cannot align with the realities of this world. This is the awareness within your spirit, feeling lost amidst the process of . You wish to find something different, yet you cannot find stability within your heart. There is an invisible force that seems to be constantly pushing your physical body forward.
In truth, many people possess this sensitivity. It is a crossing of space where one remembers and yet does not remember the cycle of rebirth. The human body is so mysterious; it can be said that it is filled with endless treasures, yet relatively speaking, it also accumulates a great deal of filth. This filth is the result of inadvertently becoming stained by everything in the world and becoming overly attached to worldly affairs. Over the course of decades, we have become accustomed to many things, forgetting what we were originally seeking.
Awakening Amidst the Worldly Illusion
We open our hands, wanting to embrace everything, only to discover that we have no such ability. We feel as though we are about to be drowned by the vast ocean of life. All the affairs of the world are laid out before our eyes, but the stability of the spirit can only be found through the teachings of the Buddha. Both the peace of the heart and the restlessness of the heart are illusions. We hear of all things and see all things, but where is the true meaning? Who can truly contain it all?
In a life that is empty, how can one escape the bonds of the world? Without escaping these bonds, how can one truly study the Buddha's teachings? And how can one truly make a vow? The void is before our eyes, and our eyes are before the void. The particles are like this, the true self is like this, and I am like this. I am the Buddha, and the Buddha is me. The spirit is free, profound, and wonderful. The light within the true self is the light of the heart. I hope that people in this world will understand the true meaning and stop making vain pursuits. Pursuit is a form of restraint and an even greater form of bondage. It creates a space from which it is difficult to escape. The great meaning of the Avatamsaka Sutra is that the true self is clear and manifest. Everyone possesses this true self, but it needs to be developed and, more importantly, it needs purification.
as a Sanctuary for Spirits
In the state of purity, there is no discrimination between good and bad; such discriminations arise only from the heart. Ultimately, this heart is the most significant factor. What should this life be used for? Simply doing your best is enough. As long as you do your best, there is no overload, only emptiness and no burden. The human body is a vessel for finding the true self. The true self must be sought within the heart; the light of the true self will manifest, and the true self will rest in purity.
Originally, the body of a lay practitioner is like a bustling gathering area. Within different organs, there are groups of various sizes, all waiting to attack when the physical body of the lay practitioner is at its most vulnerable. Unexpectedly, in recent days, the leaders of these dark groups have changed. Their hearts, once set on revenge, have softened. I do not know where the warm beam of light came from, but it has washed them clean. When they were filled with doubt, they heard the six-character name of Namo Amituofo once again. It was as if someone were waving a great flag, waiting for them to move forward. Some sentient beings believed, while others felt that everything was an illusion. It happened so suddenly that their minds could not process it. This warm and wonderful opportunity has indeed uplifted the spirits residing within the body of this lay practitioner.
The Path of Sincerity and No-Thought
This is especially true for the spirits that have entered the body due to the influence of the external environment, or those entangled by various habits. The most important factor in this is the sincere heart of the lay practitioner. As long as there is even a hint of falsehood, it will attract related spirits or activate the spirits already within the body, leading to what we call karmic attraction. The invisible lines woven within this body are such that as long as one line is triggered, it creates an obstruction. The human body is not a simple matter, but if one acts from a heart of true sincerity, these thick and thin lines—these lines that cause harm—can be transformed into nothingness.
All phenomena are created by the mind, and all evil arises from our thoughts. One must be very careful with the thoughts within the body. The void is constantly watching this physical body closely; one thought of attachment brings one attachment. Reaching the state of no-thought is the best solution. Namo Amituofo.
This message was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Shi Faxin.
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About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
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