The Proximity of the Western Pure Land and the Hells

This is a record of a message from Venerable Master Sheng Yen, who reflects upon the profound spiritual work being conducted at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. This account was recorded by the disciple Shi Faxi on August 8, 2017.

Venerable Master Sheng Yen speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. The pace at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is becoming increasingly frantic—a truly magnificent and auspicious time. When I first established Dharma Drum Mountain, the early days were just as demanding, just as busy. However, the difference between Dharma Drum Mountain and your centre lies in the depth of spiritual practice. To this day, there is no one at Dharma Drum Mountain who possesses the same level of acute spiritual sensitivity.

The Extraordinary Power of Deliverance

The magnificence of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre lies in its unique ability to reach across the vast expanse of the ten Dharma realms. Whether it is from the furthest corners of the universe or even from the depths of the hells, spirits can be invited here for deliverance. This is truly, profoundly magnificent—something the outside world would find impossible to fathom or measure. No matter what causes were sown in the past, as long as you are truly sincere in your repenting and work to resolve the conflicts with all beings, no problem is insurmountable. These problems arise entirely from the interference and vengeance of karmic creditors. Many people find it difficult to believe this truth. When I gave Dharma talks in the past, I touched upon similar topics, but I never imagined the depth and breadth of it. The true reality of the Dharma is so wondrous and subtle! Can the fourfold assembly of disciples at Dharma Drum Mountain even begin to imagine the truth of all this?

A Single Thought Determines Your Destiny

The Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss is not far from us, and by the same token, the hells are also very close. With one correct thought, reaching the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss is easy—all it takes is a heart of sincere devotion while chanting Namo Amituofo. But if your thoughts are misguided, descending into the hells is equally swift. The interrogations in each hall of hell are not strange occurrences; they are constant. In the human world, you may only feel exhaustion, anxiety, fear, a lack of direction, or the onset of illness. These are merely shallow examples. You must understand that in the hells, beings are constantly undergoing judgment, even if you in the human world remain unaware of it.

A Call for Unity and the Flourishing of the Dharma

To my twelve most trusted disciples: because of your capability and keen insight, I have passed the Zen teachings to you. I am so fortunate that you can hear the messages coming from the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. Regardless of whether you have doubts in your heart, please, you must believe in the reality of this truth. If you investigate deeply within your own body and mind, you will come to understand this reality for yourself. The Buddha’s compassion is vast and boundless. If you can believe this, then I, your Master, truly congratulate you on your blessings; you will certainly achieve enlightenment. The propagation of the Buddha’s teachings must never be divided by discriminations. As long as it is the correct Truth, we should protect and pass it on together. Only then will the Buddha’s teachings have a chance to flourish. Everyone, please take my words to heart. This magnificent task allows you all to come here to seek the Dharma. Dharma Drum Mountain must change and reach a higher realm. If we can remove the barriers in human Buddhism and lead people toward the true Buddhism of China, the vast, majestic, and compassionate power of that effort will be immense. We must walk hand in hand to create a new era of the Buddha’s heart—that will be the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Namo Amituofo."