The Wisdom of Water: A Message from the Spiritual Realm
Teachings from the Spirit of Water during the Thrice Yearning Ceremony
Recorded on October 1, 2017
The Precision of the Elements
Water is remarkably precise, and its skills are profound. During the Zhongfeng , the spirit of water offers this insight into the nature of existence.
The Illusion of the Physical World
Water is a fundamental element of our existence. A single drop of water has the power to wear away stone, and water nourishes all living things. There is no one who does not require water to survive; indeed, the thirst for water is a universal priority for all beings. Yet, how many have truly contemplated the origin of water? Water is, in essence, a phantom manifestation created by the collective of countless spirits. Who can truly hold onto water? Who can prove that its three states—gaseous, liquid, and solid—are truly the same substance? In truth, we cannot definitively prove that water remains the same through these transitions. Water does not exist in a static state; it is constantly changing and filled with vitality. Have you ever realised that water itself is a manifestation of the spirits of many sentient beings?
Seeing Beyond the Physical
In the natural world, we most frequently encounter water in the oceans, lakes, rivers, and streams. Do these bodies of water possess the same essence? If you answer by citing their names or their geographical locations, you are looking at the world through a superficial lens. We are now observing the world from the perspective of the spiritual realm. Do these waters possess the same spiritual body? If you look at water and see only water, or look at a river and see only a river, you are still an ordinary person. If you can look at water and realise it is not merely water, or look at a river and realise it is not merely a river, you are a person of great virtue—a practitioner who has both cultivated and attained realisation. However, if you can go even further and understand that while it is water, it is also something far greater, you are a person of true awareness. All things possess their own spirit. While they may appear identical on the surface, if you can perceive the subtle differences within them, you are no longer living as an ordinary human. You have begun to live within the reality of the spiritual realm.
The Hidden Personality of Water
No one truly wishes to remain an ordinary human, yet you still cling to this world. The sentient beings that permeate every corner of this world are entirely real, even if they remain unseen by your physical eyes. Each of them is filled with a distinct personality. To go with the flow is the very nature of water; it becomes strong when it meets strength and weak when it meets weakness. When water hears pleasant or praising words, it feels ; conversely, when it hears negative messages, it feels sorrow and pain. This is the true face of water. It manifests as a rushing river or a gentle, winding stream; it appears as a calm surface or a towering, turbulent wave. Are these not expressions of different personalities? Who are they? If we ask this of the water, we must also ask: who are you? You possess a physical body, so you call yourself a human. The water possesses a watery form, so we call it water. All things in heaven and earth possess a spirit. This is a truth that everyone knows, yet few truly understand.
Who Truly Masters Your Life?
As you walk through the streets and alleys, everyone knows that you are passing by. They can even see the thoughts you hold in your heart quite clearly. Yet, you remain completely unaware of how many beings are watching you at this very moment. In this world, do you still wish to remain trapped? Even I, as the spirit of water, have had to wait for thousands, even tens of thousands of years, to find a way to depart. Do you think this world is a place you should continue to visit? You certainly would not desire a life where you cannot be the master of your own destiny, yet you have already lost that mastery. You may have already left your physical body, only to be completely replaced by another spirit, while someone else occupies your shell to continue living your life. You should not be attached to your own personality, for having a rigid personality makes it difficult to transcend the changes of all things. You are highly likely to be overtaken and covered by the surrounding objects and spirits at any moment. You should learn from me: be a person who is free and at ease. Do not simply go with the flow. Instead, you should cultivate a heart of and a heart that vows to save all sentient beings. What I am telling you is not something everyone will agree with, but it is a fact that is currently unfolding. Just as water continues to flow forward and downstream, who can stop it? Only by detaching yourself can you see clearly that this life is but a play.
A Call to Seek the
If you can understand these truths, your level of attainment is commendable. However, if you find it difficult to comprehend, it is usually due to one of two reasons: either you are too attached to your own learning, or you are unable to change yourself—which is to say, you cannot truly trust others. It depends on your individual and Causal Conditions. If you can believe, then I congratulate you. The Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre is an excellent place for education. Those who understand the need to come here to seek the Dharma are people of great wisdom and great blessings, and they will eventually attain success. I am water, one of the illusory manifestations of all things. Although you are human, you also exist within this illusion. Let us learn from one another. Let us stop here.
Venerable Faxi: May I ask if it is necessary to write memorial tablets for ?
Water: It is good to do so. The molecules in the water are infinite in number, representing me. Do not be hesitant.
Recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Shi Faxi.
Namo Amituofo
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About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library