The Vastness of the Dharma Realm: Interstellar Space, Time, and Mind-Capacity

The Infinite Expanse of the Dharma Realm

How vast is the Dharma Realm? How can we truly comprehend its scale? Is it higher than the sky? Beyond the blue sky we see, are there other heavens? National Master Xianshou tells us that the reality of the universe far exceeds our limited human perception. Beyond the blue sky and the white clouds, there exist heavenly realms. Beyond those, there is the vastness of outer space—an immense, boundless expanse where there is no concept of sky or ground, only an infinite void.

In this space, countless stars of varying sizes and forms are scattered like dust. If we look closely, our Earth is merely a tiny, insignificant sphere among them. Some stars are shrouded in flowing, mist-like gases, while others are encircled by beautiful, glowing rings that emit a soft, ethereal light. Suddenly, a streak of light cuts across the horizon—a meteor. It arcs gracefully through the darkness and vanishes within seconds. Is this merely a shooting star as people often describe? It is, but where does it originate?

The Life and Death of Stars

If we look further into the distance, we might see a star many times larger than the Earth, one that has existed for trillions of years. When its lifespan reaches its end, it burns intensely and then shatters. The resulting debris—rocks of all sizes and meteors—scatters throughout the entire expanse of space. The meteor we just witnessed is but one fragment of such a cosmic event. To human eyes, the destruction of such a massive star would be an unimaginable catastrophe, accompanied by tremors and sounds beyond our comprehension. Yet, in the context of the vast cosmos, it is simply a star that has existed for aeons suddenly dimming after a final, brilliant flash. In that brief moment, a celestial body that endured for trillions of years disappears, and fragments the size of Earth are cast into the void, perhaps to fall as meteorites upon another distant world.

The duration of this burning and fading, which might appear as a fleeting moment to us, could correspond to hours, days, months, or even years in another dimension. This discrepancy exists because time and space are not absolute; they vary according to the realm in which one resides.

The Illusion of Time and Space

Such events occur constantly throughout the cosmos. Whether they are witnessed depends on whether one has eyes to see, or whether one possesses other sensory receptors—such as those found on the skin of certain life forms—to perceive these changes. When we speak of space, we often use terms like "this world" and "other worlds." In reality, beyond this world and that world, there are countless other worlds, extending infinitely. When we describe time, we use terms like "aeons" or "numbers," but in truth, there are infinite aeons beyond infinite aeons. These human descriptions are but a tiny, insignificant glimpse into the absolute truth of the universe.

The Paradox of Human Smallness and Greatness

If we were to place a human being into the vastness of the void, even with the most powerful microscope or telescope in the universe, we might not find them at all. At best, they might appear as a tiny white speck, much like an astronaut in a suit. Our human lifespan of a few decades seems incredibly brief in the context of this infinite space. However, the power of our mind-capacity is truly inconceivable. Our thoughts can reach any corner of the Dharma Realm, and our mind-capacity can expand to encompass the entire universe, including every star, every life form, and every phenomenon within it.

This is why it is said that the human body is difficult to obtain, and the Buddha’s teachings are difficult to hear. These are not merely poetic words, but the absolute truth that transcends the limitations of time and space. To encounter the Pure Land path and to practise chanting Namo Amituofo is a rare and magnificent opportunity that one must cherish.

The Work of Deliverance at Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre

Human beings are incredibly small, yet because we possess this physical form, along with the power of our thoughts and our mind-capacity, we can transcend the constraints of time and space. We can save and lead any life form in the Dharma Realm—from the smallest blade of grass, grain of dust, or microbe, to the largest celestial body—to a new, spiritual home: the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This land is beautiful, pure, and filled with infinite energy.

At Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, where Namo Amituofo truly abides, Practitioner Su works daily to lead these life forms to liberation. Whether they come from Taiwan, mainland China, Earth, or any corner of the infinite Dharma Realm, these beings—some suffering, some spirits from different times and spaces—are gathered during our morning walking meditation. Amidst the chanting of Namo Amituofo and the illumination of the Buddha-light, countless beings are sent to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This work of Chao Du continues every single day.

A Call to Awakening

As you sit here, do you feel that the Earth and your own self have suddenly shrunk to the point of invisibility, only to be expanded to infinity? To be born as a human is a unique privilege. Because of this physical existence, combined with the power of your thoughts and mind-capacity, you can be expanded to infinite greatness. This is a profound discovery. Perhaps you already knew this, but you have allowed your own personality, habits, selfishness, competitiveness, laziness, and fear of facing the truth to limit you. You have allowed yourself to be led by fate, trapped in the cycle of rebirth for thousands of years.

Which version of yourself do you choose to be? Think carefully. Time is short, and much of your life has already passed. Even if you realise the truth today, how much time remains to put it into practice? Regardless, it is always best to begin now. Follow the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way, and let your practice of Precepts, Concentration, and Wisdom guide you home.

Namo Amituofo