The Teachings of National Master Xianshou on the Heart

The ocean of karma is vast and boundless, and the cycle of rebirth never ceases. Where, then, does the heart truly belong? Where should it rest? What kind of heart is most useful for your journey, and where does your spirit reside? These are the questions you must ask yourself as you navigate the complexities of existence.

The Illusion of Worldly Success

Who are you, really? In this world, you are a busy person, whether you are driven by wealth and power or simply struggling as a common citizen. You may have once defined yourself by the luxuries you possessed: the high-end cars you drove, the designer labels you wore, and the expensive, gourmet meals you consumed.

Your heart was focused entirely on the self. You were concerned only with what you could gain, what you could use, and how you could satisfy your own desires. You sought to fill every void with the finest quality goods, and you spent your days enjoying the fruits of your labour—travelling the world and indulging in every pleasure. But what is the reality of such a life? It is a life built on the foundation of selfishness, where the ego reigns supreme and others are secondary.

The Reality of Suffering

Now, look at your life today. You have become a lay practitioner, living a simple, disciplined life, dedicated to the path of the Buddha. You travel by public transport, you live a modest and pure life, and you find joy in simple, vegetarian meals. You no longer live for yourself, but for the bodhimanda. Even when you purchase food, you do so with a heart that is no longer attached to luxury.

Yet, the habits of the past—the deep-seated ego, the selfishness, and the tendency to put yourself before others—are difficult to uproot. You may still find yourself caught in the old patterns: prioritising your own comfort over the needs of others, feeling that your family and loved ones are more important than the suffering of strangers, and experiencing the pain of aging, sickness, and death, which no one can bear for you. You may find that even when you have wealth, your mind remains restless, your body suffers from illness, and you cannot find true peace.

You may find that your children do not follow your wishes, that you are distracted by technology, or that you are entangled in emotional attachments. All of these experiences are governed by the laws of karma and cause and effect. Your fate is not something you can control; it is determined by the seeds you have sown in the past. You are still caught in the cycle of rebirth, and when your time comes, you will face the end of your life, only to be reincarnated once more.

Navigating the Six Realms of Existence

As long as you remain within the cycle of rebirth, you are subject to the six realms of existence. Each realm has its own form of suffering, and each is a manifestation of your own karma. In the heavenly realm, beings enjoy great pleasures and long lives, but when their lifespan ends, they fall back into the cycle of rebirth, sometimes even descending into the lower realms due to arrogance. In the human realm, you come and go, often leaving empty-handed, carrying only the weight of your karma.

The ghost realm is filled with sentient beings who suffer from insatiable hunger. Their throats are as thin as needles, and they cannot consume the food or water they crave. They exist in a state of confusion, their habits mirroring those of the human world, yet they are trapped in a different space, unable to see or touch the world of the living. In the animal realm, beings are trapped in delusion. Whether they fly, crawl, or walk, they are unaware of their own suffering, their consciousness clouded by ignorance. The hell realms are filled with unimaginable suffering, driven by anger and hatred. It is difficult to escape these realms unless one repents and calls upon the name of Namo Amituofo.

Even the Four Sacred Realms, while free from the cycle of rebirth, have not yet realised the true self-nature. The Arhats seek only their own liberation, and the Bodhisattvas, while compassionate, still require the right causal conditions to assist others. Only in the Buddha-land can one find true, lasting peace.

The Supreme Refuge of the Western Pure Land

In the vast Dharma realm of emptiness, there are countless Buddha-lands, but the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss is unique. It is the land of Amitabha Buddha, the King of Buddhas. It is a place where you can be reborn even while still carrying your karma. The light of Amitabha Buddha is infinite, and his vow to save all beings is present everywhere. In the Western Pure Land, there is no suffering, only happiness. There are no internal worries or external threats. It is a land of seven-jewelled ponds, eight-merit waters, and nine grades of lotus flowers. It is the Buddha-land within your own heart.

You must cherish this opportunity. The Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is a place where you can practise and prepare for this journey. Do not let this moment pass in vain. Make the vow to be reborn in the Western Pure Land, and hold fast to the name of Namo Amituofo. This is the only way to leave suffering behind and find true, eternal happiness. The time is now; do not let it slip away. Namo Amituofo.

Recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.