When we study the teachings of the Buddha, we must ask ourselves: what is the true objective of our learning? We are not merely gathering information or engaging in intellectual pursuits. Rather, we are here to understand the profound truth of reality and to learn how to realise one's true nature and attain Buddhahood. This is the ultimate goal of every practitioner who walks the path of the .
What, then, is this truth of reality? Before we have transformed our , we are like drifting leaves on a turbulent ocean. We live our lives caught within the laws of karma and cause and effect, finding it nearly impossible to take charge of our own destiny. We are constantly tossed about in the vast sea of birth, aging, sickness, and death, struggling to escape the cycle of rebirth in the six realms, lifetime after lifetime.
Drifting in the Sea of Rebirth
The six realms of rebirth are vast and varied, yet each is a place of confinement within different dimensions of space. Within these realms, we experience different states of existence:
The Three Evil Realms: These are marked by intense suffering, where beings are trapped by their past negative actions and find little respite.
The Three Good Realms: While these offer the temporary of happiness and comfort, they are not permanent. Once these blessings are exhausted, one must inevitably return to the cycle of rebirth.
We are currently living within the confines of the Five Aggregates of form, feeling, perception, impulse, and . We are constantly buffeted by the material world, the sensations that arise from our bodies, the we form, our impulsive reactions, and the complex web of consciousness that binds us to this cycle. We suffer deeply from the and thoughts generated by these aggregates, and we are particularly vulnerable to the suffering of birth, aging, sickness, and death.
Many people mistakenly believe that this is simply the way life is. They face the inevitable decline of their bodies and the resulting pain with a sense of helpless resignation, only to be swept into the next cycle of karmic rebirth. This is why it is so vital to make a firm vow to chant and seek rebirth in the . By doing so, you can finally achieve liberation from this cycle and avoid the endless suffering that characterises life in the six realms.
The Unfailing Mirror of Karma
To walk this path effectively, you must understand the truth of and the causes and effects that govern our lives. Remember these fundamental principles: good deeds are rewarded with good, evil deeds are rewarded with evil; it's not that there's no retribution, but that the time has not yet come. Furthermore, do not neglect to perform even a small good deed, and do not commit even a small evil act.
The laws of karma and cause and effect are closely related to your own life; they are intimately woven into your daily existence. Every being is living within this web of karmic conditions. When you truly understand this, you will naturally become more mindful of your thoughts, words, and actions.
Returning to the Eternal Self
You must also understand that every person possesses an original, true nature. This physical body is merely a tool for this lifetime—a temporary vessel that you can use to find the eternal truth. We must use this temporary body to cultivate the true self and rediscover our original nature. Once you have successfully rediscovered your true nature, you will no longer be subject to the various sufferings of birth, aging, sickness, and death. Instead, you will live in a state of clarity, freedom, and self-mastery, abiding in the eternal of the true self.
Shadows in the Digital Age
The universe is immeasurable and boundless, and the beings within it are countless. Yet, most of these beings are trapped, unable to escape the dictates of the cycle of rebirth. In our modern age, this situation is further complicated by our environment. Many people, including young children and even infants, are exposed to computers, mobile phones, and various forms of technology from a very early age. This constant immersion in the digital world has led to a significant decrease in genuine human interaction.
As a result, our body, mind, and spirit are increasingly vulnerable to various forms of interference, including , attached spirits, and demon crowds. When these interferences occur, we may experience unexplained illnesses, suffer from various pains without knowing the cause, or find ourselves unable to control our own behaviour. In extreme cases, our daily conduct may become abnormal, and we may eventually face the intense suffering of the separation of the four elements at the time of death. These are the harsh realities of our current existence.
The Light of Transformation
I have outlined these facts of reality so that you may see your situation clearly. If you can understand these conditions, you can begin to make changes from within. By starting with yourself—through sincere practice, self-improvement, and purification—you can avoid much of the suffering, disaster, and misfortune that would otherwise occur. Let us commit ourselves to this path of awakening, guided by the light of Namo Amituofo. Namo Amituofo.
