The Wisdom of the Forest Spirits and the Australian Fires

The Living Landscape of Australia

The towering trees of Australia are a unique and defining feature of this vast land. When loggers harvest these trees, they are transported to specialised facilities for processing. Some are treated and transformed into utility poles that line our roads, while others become sturdy timber for construction. To protect these materials from the relentless hunger of termites, they must be soaked in protective chemicals. Other timber is sliced into floorboards or crafted into fine furniture, often branded with the iconic kangaroo symbol to signify its Australian origin.

From an ecological perspective, the sheer scale of the Australian landscape allows these trees to grow in abundance. Some species possess shallow root systems; once they reach a certain height, they can no longer support their own weight and eventually topple, becoming readily available timber for human use. The eucalyptus tree, meanwhile, provides the essential sustenance for the koala. Beyond these, countless wild trees flourish under the nourishment of the earth. Recently, the walnut tree has gained popularity for its remarkable ability to preserve soil and prevent erosion.

The Cycle of Fire and Renewal

For many years, the recurring droughts in Australia have frequently ignited devastating forest fires, necessitating the arduous task of reforestation. When these trees are reduced to ash, the subsequent rains often trigger the emergence of new sprouts. However, as these droughts occur with increasing frequency, the Australian climate has shifted from what was once merely described as scorching to something far more intense. Today, humanity is becoming more aware of the need to protect our planet. We are learning the importance of environmental stewardship to prevent the greenhouse effect from overheating the earth, which profoundly impacts our ecosystems and the lives within every forest.

When dry conditions lead to catastrophic fires, countless animals and tiny insects perish in the flames. In the wake of such destruction, the spirits of the flowers, grasses, and trees all seek purification, the opportunity to listen to the Dharma, and the grace of Chao Du. Through the collective prayer for rain, the intensity of the fires is diminished. Once the flames are extinguished, the forest and its inhabitants are saved from further devastation. While many animals manage to flee the danger, the most compassionate Practitioner Su tirelessly teaches these forest spirits how to find a place of refuge.

The Hidden Spirits Among Us

People rarely notice the tree spirits because trees are such a constant presence in our daily lives. We see flowering trees everywhere we go, and the spirits of these trees and flowers have become so integrated into our existence that their presence is taken for granted. Sangharama Bodhisattva has observed that the tree and flower spirits of Australia are learning to follow Practitioner Su in chanting Namo Amituofo to seek rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. When Practitioner Su travels, these spirits often recognise him; even when he is driving, they will actively greet him as he passes by. All things possess a spiritual nature, and when they perceive the Buddha-light radiating from Practitioner Su, they are naturally drawn to him.

• Some tree spirits chant Namo Amituofo during Dharma assemblies to seek Chao Du.
• Others appear when their names are inscribed on memorial tablets during our travels.
• Most importantly, when Practitioner Su performs Dharma-Body Visualisation Deliverance, he helps these spirits shed their external forms so they may focus entirely on chanting Namo Amituofo and seeking rebirth.

Purification and the Path to Buddhahood

At this very moment, the Buddha is purifying the fifty trillion cells within Practitioner Su. Sangharama Bodhisattva has been using a spiritual vacuum to extract the sentient beings hidden within these cells. To our surprise, we discovered tree spirits concealed inside. When asked why they were there, they explained that because Practitioner Su’s cells are golden, they believed that by residing within them, they too could become golden trees.

To counsel these spirits and ensure they do not disturb the purity of Practitioner Su, we chant Namo Amituofo to gently but firmly guide them out, sending them to the Dharma-Nature Land to listen to the teachings. We explain to them that in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, they can serve as tree spirits while remaining in constant connection with the Buddha. They will be adorned with the seven precious treasures and lapis lazuli, radiating a brilliance far greater than anything they have known before. Upon hearing this, the spirits—along with the spirits of flowers, grasses, insects, and animals—eagerly join in chanting Namo Amituofo. They enter the Dharma-Nature Land with hearts full of gratitude toward the Buddha and Practitioner Su.

Namo Amituofo.

This message was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Shi Haiyuan.