Thoughts and Vibrations: An Interview with Skanda Bodhisattva

The Ripple Effect of Our Thoughts

During the Dharma assembly yesterday, many fluctuations occurred within the hearts and actions of the fourfold assembly of disciples. The very moment these thoughts and intentions were first generated, they were transmitted instantly into the vastness of the Dharma Realm. We must understand that our minds are not isolated; every flicker of thought sends out an energy wave that resonates throughout the universe, reflecting the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way.

At the site of the ceremony yesterday, as the sound of the Buddha-name chanting began, countless sentient beings were liberated through Chao Du. As the space where these beings had resided became empty, it was immediately filled by the next wave of beings waiting for deliverance. Where the Dharma Body abides, there is infinite space, and this infinite space is always filled with sentient beings. This is the reality of the Chao Du performed at Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, regardless of the time or location of the assembly.

Therefore, you can imagine that the subtle thoughts and vibrations generated by the fourfold assembly of disciples are received immediately by the beings in that space. While there may be a minute time difference between the emission and the reception of these waves, this delay is related to the sensitivity and awareness of the beings involved. For the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and the ancestral masters, this reception is instantaneous, and it subsequently expands to all sentient beings throughout the Dharma Realm.

The Mechanics of Karmic Seeds

Throughout the various events that unfolded yesterday, the fourfold assembly of disciples emitted wave after wave of energy. These were received by the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, by Skanda Bodhisattva and the other Dharma protectors, by the beings receiving Chao Du, and even by the Yama kings and the guardians of the hells. Although these energy waves differ in intensity, speed, and duration, they are recorded with absolute clarity, without the slightest confusion.

Every thought creates a vibration, and this is the cause of the karma we create. Whether a thought becomes a seed of goodness or a seed of evil depends on its nature. When the conditions mature, the corresponding fruit—be it happiness or suffering—will manifest. This entire process occurs within our own consciousness, where we experience the effects of our own actions. Consequently, the laws of karma and cause and effect are never mistaken. When multiple individuals share similar thoughts and intentions, their karmic energies combine to create collective karma. Within this collective experience, each person still bears their own unique karmic burden based on the specific intensity and nature of their original thoughts. Everything is a result of what we have created ourselves; we are the sole authors of our own experiences.

The Wisdom of the Bodhisattva

There is a saying: "Bodhisattvas fear the cause, while sentient beings fear the result." The more one practises compassion, possesses deep meditative concentration, and remains free from personal ego and habits, the more one is able to cease the generation of thoughts and vibrations. By stopping the cause, one prevents the formation of negative karma and the subsequent experience of suffering.

In contrast, the general public often creates karma through selfishness, a lack of compassion, and a complete absence of meditative concentration. When they act based on their own feelings and desires, they directly attract their karmic creditors and invite spiritual attachments. When these creditors and attachments begin to exert their influence, one inevitably suffers the consequences. Furthermore, if one continues to create negative causes while experiencing these fruits, the Yama kings are immediately aware of it. This is why the laws of karma are so precise and unyielding. Sentient beings remain trapped in the cycle of rebirth, endlessly creating causes and suffering the results. Only through sincere repenting, changing one's ways, resolving conflicts, and the efficacy of Chao Du can we generate the power to stop the manifestation of evil consequences. If these efforts are ineffective, one must still endure the suffering of aging, sickness, death, and various other hardships.

The Example of Practitioner Su

Yesterday, many different events occurred, affecting each member of the fourfold assembly in unique ways. Yet, every single one of these matters had to be handled and resolved by Practitioner Su. Despite this immense responsibility, we did not perceive any internal disturbance or fluctuation in the thoughts of Practitioner Su. This demonstrates the depth of his meditative concentration—he remains unmoved internally while acting externally.

He was able to handle one event after another with composure, leading the assembly with a smile, while his Dharma Body performed the Chao Du to help immeasurable and boundless beings achieve rebirth in the Western Pure Land. This level of skill is deeply admired by Skanda Bodhisattva and the other Dharma protectors. To subdue demonic enemies, one must possess the same level of skill as Practitioner Su; otherwise, one will be subdued by the demons and reap the fruit of resentment.

Cultivating the Path Forward

While those who have realised their true nature possess the power of meditative concentration, the ability to apply this to the deliverance of sentient beings requires more than just following conditions. It requires power, vows, and a quick, wise response. Only then can the work of saving beings be deep, vast, and endless.

Students of Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre should deeply repent and look inward to change their own personalities and habits. Although you may not yet be able to stop all thoughts and vibrations, you must strive to generate true compassion from within. This will lead to thoughts that are kind and do not harm yourself or others. This is what is meant by the phrase: "Give rise to all roots of goodness and achieve the fruit of Bodhi." You must put in the work at the level of your own heart to achieve this. The practice of stopping thoughts and vibrations is a higher level of cultivation, as demonstrated in the teachings and personal conduct of Practitioner Su. Students must understand these various levels of practice, embrace them, and learn from them so that you may truly receive the benefits of the Dharma.

Namo Amituofo.

Recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.