The Rarity of a Human Body: Teachings from National Master Xianshou

The Precious Vessel of Human Life

In general terms, one’s awareness may be classified into levels such as minimal, moderate, high, or complete awareness, or perhaps a state of non-awareness or true awakening. These distinctions in terminology are merely tools to assist students in their understanding. For those who have truly reached the state of awakening and true awareness, there is no need for descriptions, terminology, or linguistic study. They have already internalised the Truth through their actual actions. They shine uniquely in this world, remaining unmoved by any external environment.

Have you ever deeply experienced the truth of the saying that the human body is rare and difficult to obtain? The more one understands the truth of the universe and the fundamental nature of reality, the more one will agree with and deeply experience the importance of this fact.

A Unique Environment for Spiritual Growth

The students at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, under the guidance of the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, and Practitioner Su, have opportunities that are far beyond those of ordinary practitioners. You have the chance to come into contact with beings from various dimensions and levels of existence:

• The Twenty-eight Heavens
• The Four Sacred Realms
• The borderland of the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss
• The Yama Kings of the hells
• The spirits of nature, including flowers, trees, mountains, rivers, and the earth
• Inanimate objects such as soil, tables, chairs, fruits, and vegetables
• The molecular structures of air and water
• The clouds, including white clouds, dark clouds, and the colourful rays of the sunset
• The Huayan deities and Dharma protectors

Through these interviews with sentient and non-sentient beings across different spiritual realms, and through the teachings provided by the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, you have a greater opportunity to gain insight and verification of Buddhist concepts such as the six realms of rebirth, the laws of karma and cause and effect, the concept of oneness, goodness, evil, compassion, sincerity, purity, and equality. These are experiences that cannot be obtained by beings in other places or other times and spaces. Every bit of this accumulation serves as a powerful force and assistance, helping you to move forward continuously. When you achieve success, you must share these insights with others, allowing more people with karmic affinity to see, hear, and open the window to their true self. This is precious merit for rebirth in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. These opportunities are hard to come by; you must cherish them and use them well. Do not seek only your own liberation, for if you only benefit yourself, it is a great pity.

The Vital Path in the Age of Decline

Looking back through history, Buddhas and Bodhisattvas have often manifested in human form to save the world. Throughout the long river of history, many Buddhist sects, Dharma gates, and scriptures of the Great and Small Vehicles have been lost, interrupted, destroyed, or burned. However, the Pure Land Dharma Gate was clearly taught by Shakyamuni Buddha himself. We know that in the age of the Dharma’s decline, the Pure Land path is the only way to achieve success. From this, we can understand how vital this Dharma gate is for the beings of this millennium.

Sentient beings have spent too long in the six realms of rebirth. Their personalities and habits have become ingrained, and many phenomena seem so natural that they do not realise they are filled with traps and crises. Everyone is lost and confused, unable to wake up, and thus unable to escape the cycle of rebirth. They are accustomed to spinning and cycling within the six realms. When they encounter the reminders and teachings of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, ancestral masters, or true spiritual friends, they often develop doubts and find it hard to believe. Therefore, the manifestation of Compassion, Joy, and Selfless Giving, along with various virtues and miraculous events, is all intended to capture and change the stubborn attachments, views, and practices of sentient beings. Everything is done to save those with karmic affinity in the Dharma Realm from the shackles of the six realms of rebirth and to lead them to true liberation.

From Faith to Action

Only the human body can achieve these changes. Faith alone is not enough; one must put it into practice to have a chance at change. Only then is there a chance to leave suffering behind, escape the six realms of rebirth, and gain the opportunity to directly save other sentient beings from their suffering. The existence of the Buddha’s teachings is a ray of hope in the darkness for all beings. This light must be sustained by the dedication and mutual assistance of the Buddha’s disciples and the many Dharma-protecting followers. The monastic community is especially important. When you shave your head, receive the Precepts, and don the monastic robes, you should feel in your heart that the red dust of the world is far behind you. All illusions are but a fleeting moment. You are trading a limited life for an infinite Dharma Body and wisdom life, which is a rare and difficult encounter.

For instance, at this moment, although I, Xianshou, have no physical body, I can transmit messages from the West through my formless spirit to Venerable Haize, who possesses a human body. Because Venerable Haize has already awakened, and with the support of the Buddha’s blessings, he is able to record these transmitted messages into text. This is one of the inconceivable events that truly exists at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. There are several people here who possess such skills, which is why this place has a unique atmosphere within the Pure Land.

The Nature of True Awakening

Generally speaking, awareness can be classified into various levels, but these names are merely to help students understand. For those who are truly awakened, there is no need for words, names, or linguistic descriptions. They have already internalised the truth and act naturally. They shine in the world without being moved by external environments. This means that any external situation or condition can be used as a stage for demonstration and teaching. They do not need any script or director to perform naturally. They can play various roles, moods, ages, and genders without ever leaving their true nature or the Truth. Everything flows naturally from the true self. These manifestations are all intended to allow those with karmic affinity to see their true nature. These encounters and magnificent conditions are truly hard to believe if one has not experienced them personally. How many people can see this for themselves? Most people in later generations only see these things in written records or historical books. Yet, in this age of the Dharma’s decline, the students of Hsiang Kuang are experiencing it firsthand. Although there are transcripts and digital files of these many experiences, they are limited by a lack of manpower and resources, making it difficult to present them to all those with karmic affinity. This is truly a pity. Currently, what people can see is limited, but I hope that in the future, these teachings can be shared with the world to save more beings, allowing them to enter the Pure Land and the vast ocean of Namo Amituofo’s vows.

The saying about favourable weather and timely rain refers to the fact that if humans do not set their intentions, various natural phenomena and living creatures in the world can only endure them. The saying about the distinct four seasons refers to the fact that if the human heart does not follow the laws of heaven and align with the universe, it is difficult to achieve one’s wishes. Nowadays, many people think that their success in favourable conditions is due to their own power, not realising how many subtle causal conditions and external environments are assisting them. In short, the road to the West requires true practice. If you help yourself, you will surely receive the Buddha’s help. The act of saving the world must be done through the human body. You should all cultivate and protect this well.

Spoken personally by Xianshou.

The content of this interview was recorded by Venerable Haize.