Teachings from the Teacher. Chief Writer: Venerable HaiZe.
27 May 2023
The Infinite Mirror of the Night Sky
My dear children, you have surely had the experience of looking up at the night sky and gazing upon the vast expanse of stars. When you look into that infinite darkness, where does your focus naturally fall? Do you find yourself drawn to the most brilliant, radiant star that commands your attention? Perhaps you are captivated by a star that flickers like a gentle, rhythmic heartbeat, or maybe you are mesmerised by one that hangs high in the heavens, casting a steady, unwavering light across the cosmos.
Regardless of which star you choose to observe, the light it emits is a testament to the life force of that celestial body. Each of these stars is a world unto itself, harbouring diverse forms of existence. Within these realms, you will find a complex tapestry of life, including the presence of both goodness and evil, reflecting the karmic paths of those who dwell there; the interplay of light and darkness, representing the struggle between ignorance and wisdom; and a multitude of beings, each caught in their own unique cycle of existence.
The Fragility of Existence
No matter which star you observe, you must realise that they are all in a state of constant flux. They operate within the law of impermanence, and the conditions of the starry sky are shifting at every single moment. There is never a time when the heavens remain exactly the same as they were before. In the midst of this vast, shimmering display, it is not uncommon for a star to suddenly fall and vanish from the firmament. To the observer, this event is so common that it may go entirely unnoticed.
However, for the beings residing upon that particular star, such an event is not merely a celestial curiosity. It represents the ultimate boundary of life and death, a transition that defines their entire existence and shapes their future incarnations. Our human bodies are, in many ways, a microcosm of this vast starry sky. Within us, goodness and evil, light and darkness, coexist in a delicate balance. We, too, live within the realm of impermanence. When someone suddenly disappears from our midst, it is often treated as a common occurrence, sometimes passing without even being noticed. Even among one's own family, after the initial period of mourning has faded, the memory of that person eventually becomes a thing of the past, and the cycle of life simply continues into another lifetime.
The Preciousness of Buddha-nature
In the world of the Buddha’s teachings, however, every single life is viewed as profoundly precious. This is because every being, without exception, possesses the inherent Buddha-nature. If one can diligently engage in the purification of their true self, they will eventually realise their true nature and attain Buddhahood. Once this state is achieved, one gains the magnificent capacity to rescue immeasurable and boundless suffering beings, helping them to leave suffering behind and find happiness, and even guiding them to attain Buddhahood themselves.
This is a truly magnificent and noble endeavour. Because of this profound truth, within the Buddha’s gate, even the smallest lives—such as insects, ants, and other tiny creatures—are treated with the utmost respect and dignity. Every life is a potential Buddha in the making, and every life deserves our and care.
A Sanctuary for
At the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre, the fourfold assembly of disciples should cherish this time and opportunity even more deeply. You are not walking this path alone. , your Teacher, and Practitioner Su are all here, standing by your side to offer support and guidance. We are here to assist the fourfold assembly in your journey of purification, so that you may reach the moment of Awakening. May you use this time wisely, hold fast to your faith, and continue your practice with a sincere and dedicated heart.
