Teachings from Master Shang Xuan Xia Zang
Record of Interviews with Deceased Modern Chinese Celebrities (Preface)
Teacher Introduces the Namo Amitabha Buddhist Hall
Interview with Xi Zhongxun (Former Vice Premier of the State Council of China, Father of Chinese President Xi Jinping)
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Turmoil: Chinese Leadership and Sentient Beings with Karmic Affinity
Interview with Shao Genhuo (Founder of Dabeinong Group)
The relationship between the physical body and the spirit—the three hun souls and seven po souls—is profound, delicate, and of the utmost importance. Today, let us contemplate this subject, which is inextricably linked to every single being. Within the six realms of existence, the way in which a being exists varies significantly depending on their state of spiritual evolution and .
In the human world and the animal realm, beings possess both a physical body and a spirit. However, in many other realms, existence is purely spiritual, without a physical form. These include:
Each of these realms occupies its own unique space within the Realm. They exist in parallel, operating according to their own laws, and generally do not interfere with or intrude upon one another.
The existence of a physical body is a manifestation of . For those of us within the cycle of rebirth, our physical form is the result of the causes and effects we have accumulated over countless lifetimes. Upon conception, when the essence of the father and mother unites, a spirit enters the womb. At this very moment, the connection between the incoming spirit and the parents is activated, and begins to grow according to the dictates of .
The physical body is formed through the combination of the four elements:
These four elements develop within the mother's womb over the course of ten months. Once the fetus has developed the capacity to survive outside the womb, it enters the world as an independent individual, marking the beginning of a new chapter in its karmic journey.
From the moment of conception, the karma of the spirit begins to manifest. The entire ten-month period of gestation is a reflection of the spirit's past causes and conditions. Whether a pregnancy results in a smooth birth, a miscarriage, a stillbirth, a difficult labour, or the birth of a child with physical abnormalities, all are part of the unfolding of karmic retribution. This process is deeply influenced by the collective karma shared between the child and the parents, as well as the individual karma of the child.
Even in cases of multiple births, such as twins or triplets, each individual fetus is undergoing their own unique karmic experience. Some may be born successfully, while others may cease to grow within the womb due to various karmic reasons. We must understand that even a short period of existence within the womb constitutes a full lifetime of karmic retribution for that being.
A complete spirit is composed of three hun souls and seven po souls. After conception, the spirit begins to function according to the and the karma of this lifetime, gradually shaping the physical body. The Alaya resides within the primary soul. If a newborn possesses a complete set of three hun souls and seven po souls, they will generally grow into a person with a healthy body and a sound mind.
However, if the spirit is incomplete—meaning some of the souls are missing—this is also a form of karmic retribution that the being must face in this lifetime. When a child is born with missing souls, they may experience various physical or mental challenges from the very beginning. These challenges can manifest in many ways:
The nature of the spirit entering the womb significantly impacts the mother's experience during pregnancy. When a higher spiritual being or one who comes to repay a kindness is born, the pregnancy is often easy, and the mother experiences little suffering. Conversely, if a spirit from the three evil realms—one who comes to seek revenge or settle a karmic debt—is born, the pregnancy can be extremely difficult and painful for the mother.
When a or a patriarchs and venerable masters chooses to manifest in the human world, the pregnancy is often accompanied by auspicious signs. The mother may experience no pain, and the fetus is often protected by the Dragon and Heaven Dharma Protectors, preventing any external spirits from interfering. It is important to note that such high-level beings do not truly enter the womb in the same way as ordinary beings, as they do not need to endure the suffering of physical compression during birth. Instead, they manifest their presence shortly before birth, resulting in the arrival of a child with a dignified appearance and noble features.
In the human world, we are all subject to the cycle of birth, aging, sickness, and death. We navigate the world through the laws of karma and cause and effect, eventually facing the process of death and moving on to the next cycle of rebirth. Only by breaking free from the control of karmic forces and transforming our destiny can we escape the shackles of birth and death, finding peace and freedom in any situation.
When the spirit within the body reaches the end of its allotted lifespan and the conditions of this life are exhausted, it must depart. Without the spirit to drive it, the physical body's four elements separate, its functions cease, and death is declared. This marks the end of the body's mission for this lifetime. One cannot take anything from this world; one only carries the heavy burden of karmic retribution accumulated during their time on earth, which will determine the nature of their next life. For those who study the Buddha’s teachings and chant , this moment is the final verdict. It determines whether one will continue to wander in the six realms of rebirth or whether one will be reborn in the to become a Buddha or a Sage.
This message was recorded by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe.
Great Master Xuanzang shares his profound vision for the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, reflecting on the power of the Dharma, the mission of Practitioner Su, and the ongoing work of saving infinite suffering beings through the light of Namo Amituofo.
Great Master Xuanzang offers profound guidance on the occasion of the New Year, reminding us that the path to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss requires constant purification, the letting go of ego, and unwavering devotion to Namo Amituofo.
A profound exploration of how to transcend worldly attachments, purify the mind, and secure one's path to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss through Awakening and diligent practice.
Great Master Xuanzang explains that the Dharma is vast and boundless, transcending worldly knowledge. To truly realise the profound meaning of the Dharma, one must move beyond attachment to words and names, cultivate a pure heart, and engage in diligent practice to attain Awakening.
A candid reflection from the spirit of Elizabeth Taylor, who shares her journey from the blinding lights of Hollywood to the serene, transformative teachings of the Buddha in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.
Michael Jackson shares his journey from the pressures of global fame to the peace of the Western Pure Land, revealing the truth behind his life and his ultimate deliverance.
Helen Keller, the renowned deaf-blind philanthropist, shares her journey from the darkness of the ghost realm to the light of the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, guided by the compassion of Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su.
Albert Einstein, once considered the most brilliant mind in human history, reflects on his life, the nature of 'science' versus the Truth of the Dharma, and his existence in the Western Pure Land.
Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the United States, reflects on his life, his political career, and his profound journey from the depths of hell to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss through the compassion of Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su.
This is a record of an interview with Kim Il Sung, the founder and former leader of North Korea, who sought deliverance 32 years ago. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library