The Urgent Call to Awaken Amidst Impermanence

The Unstoppable Fury of the Volcano

My dear children, have you ever witnessed the terrifying moment of a volcanic eruption? Imagine the scene: molten, searing lava relentlessly spilling from the crater, surging downwards like a river of fire. In its path, everything is consumed—people, animals, the earthly creatures, and even the sturdy houses and structures we build. All are reduced to ash in an instant.

Where, then, is the value of our worldly achievements? When life vanishes in the blink of an eye, what becomes of all the tasks we left unfinished? In the face of such sudden impermanence and overwhelming terror, where do these spirits go? They are cast into the unknown, adrift in the wake of their own karma.

The Silent Aftermath of the Flood

Consider also the devastation of a great flood. Watch as the waters breach the embankments, rushing violently into the land. People are caught unaware, unable to escape the rising tide. Great trees are snapped like twigs, and the familiar streets of our towns are transformed into raging riverbeds. The noise of the world is suddenly silenced, replaced by a haunting, absolute stillness where only the sound of rushing water remains.

Where have the people gone? Countless lives are extinguished in a single moment. Where do these spirits wander now? Through the long, weary journey of accumulated lifetimes, we have all been part of this cycle. We have all been caught in the currents of reincarnation, time and time again.

The Endless Cycle of Samsara

In the midst of these repeated, terrifying experiences of reincarnation, our true self remains hidden, sealed away by layers of dust. We have wandered through the six realms for aeons, forgetting our original nature. Yet, you are fortunate. You have obtained a human body in this life, a rare and precious opportunity that must not be squandered.

You are now at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, where you have the chance to learn and engage in diligent practice. You are surrounded by the compassionate protection of Namo Amituofo, your teacher, Practitioner Su, and the Dharma protectors who stand guard over your spiritual progress.

A Sanctuary for the True Self

Because of this support, you are able to practise with diligence and work to rediscover your true self. You must awaken quickly. In this world of impermanence, you must seek out the eternal, unchanging nature of your own mind.

When you do this, you will no longer be trapped by impermanence or burdened by the weight of your karma. You will finally live a life of true freedom, no longer controlled by the cycle of reincarnation. Namo Amituofo.