Have you truly tasted the full bitterness of suffering to its very core? Do you understand the depth of its reach? We plant the seeds of suffering and inevitably reap the bitter fruits. It is our personal ego, our selfishness, and our deep-seated habits that draw this suffering toward us. Regardless of whether one is poor or wealthy, suffering is like a biting winter wind that pierces the very bones, yet there is no clothing to shield us from the cold. It is like being exposed to the scorching sun without any shade to protect , or like suffering from an unbearable thirst with not a single drop of water to quench it.
In this state, there is no one to save us, and we have no mastery over our own lives. We are trapped in the cycle of rebirth, finding it difficult to escape. The spirits of the departed are currently experiencing this bitterness, and they cannot find a moment of relief. Perhaps you have forgotten these truths, but when you witness the suffering of others, you may recall that you have walked these paths before.
Wandering Through the Six Realms of Sorrow
Consider the different states of existence within the six realms of existence:
The Hells: Here, the cries of agony are constant, and the punishments are merciless. If one enters the Avici Hell, there is no foreseeable end to the suffering.
The Animal Realm: Beings are subjected to slaughter and pain, their bodies broken and torn. It is a cycle that is incredibly difficult to break, lifetime after lifetime.
The Hungry Ghost Realm: Even when they see the nectar of life before them, their throats are too constricted to swallow a single drop of water. There is no one to save them, and their faces are twisted in eternal desperation.
The Celestial Realm: Although celestial beings enjoy heavenly , when their lifespan ends, the five signs of decay manifest. They become frantic with anxiety, and anger arises in their hearts, leading them to suffer retribution in the hells and fall back into the cycle of rebirth.
The Asura Realm: Beings are consumed by anger and resentment, unable to find a moment of peace. They wander back and forth through the six realms, and their suffering never ceases.
The Compassionate Light of
Today, in the human world, you have the rare opportunity to hear the . The only way to truly leave suffering behind and find happiness is to chant Namo Amituofo and seek rebirth in the of Ultimate Bliss. This is the ultimate path to liberation. You must understand the reality of this suffering clearly. Your from countless past lives are beyond counting. Now, Namo Amituofo is here to save you and guide you to the West. How can we bear to let those with whom we have karmic affinity continue to suffer? We must work together to save them, to help them leave their grievances behind, and to invite these spirits to receive so they may depart from the darkness.
to the Call of Liberation
If they are not saved at this time, their suffering will be endless. When will they encounter Namo Amituofo again? Attaining Buddhahood is not something that happens in a single moment. It requires you to break through various tests and challenges. You must be brave enough to face them without retreating. Students of Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, now is the time. If you have a heart that feels this suffering, it is because your has manifested. However, if you can reach a state where there is no ego and no suffering, you will be truly at ease. This teaching was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.
