Throughout the course of a human life, every individual will inevitably encounter the experience of separation. When we must part ways with our closest family members and dearest friends, we often feel a profound sense of sorrow and an inability to let go. This grief arises because we have shared common experiences, joys, and challenges throughout our time together. When that physical presence is removed, the uncertainty regarding their destination creates yet another layer of deep, lingering sadness. However, we must look deeper into the nature of existence to understand the true reality of these moments.
In truth, the physical body that arrives in this world is bound by the constraints of time. It is born, and eventually, it must die. Where there is birth, there is death; this is the natural law of the material world. Yet, what truly animates this body—what drives the Five Aggregates of form, feeling, perception, impulse, and —is the spirit. The spirit is the true master of this body. Since time immemorial, this spirit has wandered through the cycle of rebirth, enduring countless instances of the suffering caused by birth, aging, sickness, and death, as well as the pain of being separated from those we love.
The Sanctuary of Hsiang Kuang
At the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre in Goombungee, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia, a sacred environment has been established. Here, resides. Even when the physical body has withered and passed away, the spirit is not lost. Through the compassionate practice of , the spirit can be guided and sent into the Western Land of Nature. In this sacred space, the spirit is able to listen to sutras and hear the Dharma. By receiving the Buddha-light, the spirit is able to elevate the quality of one's spirit, preparing it for its ultimate destination.
Once the spirit is ready, according to its own sincere vows, it is guided into the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. At last, the spirit finds its true home. There are already countless spirits who have been saved in this manner. By entering the Western Land of Dharma Nature and subsequently transitioning into the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss—a realm of infinite life and infinite light—the life of the spirit finally finds its eternal resting place. Having entered the land of infinite life, these spirits now dwell in a state of supreme happiness, free from all worries and fears.
A Celebration of Liberation
Those who remain in this world should feel a sense of and celebration for the deceased. They have not truly parted from us in a way that leads to suffering; rather, they have entered the Western Land. They no longer need to endure the agonies of separation, nor the relentless cycle of birth, aging, sickness, and death. For those who have suffered through long-term illness and the physical torment of a failing body, we should feel a deep sense of relief and comfort that they have finally been liberated from such pain.
We must learn to live in the present moment, letting go of the burdens of the past and the anxieties of the future. In every recitation of the Buddha-name, we should express our deepest gratitude to the Greatly Compassionate Amitabha Buddha for establishing the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Because of this compassionate vow, spirits who have wandered for so long, having been through the wringer of samsara, no longer need to drift or roam. They have finally found a place of ultimate peace.
The Light of the Pure Land
We offer our heartfelt gratitude to Namo Amituofo. We also extend our profound gratitude to Practitioner Su, whose unique ability to travel freely between this world and the Western Pure Land allows him to guide deceased spirits into the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This is a level of practice and achievement that has never been seen before in such a tangible way. To witness this at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is a testament to the power of the Dharma. It is truly the light of the Pure Land, shining brightly for all beings to see.
