The Ecology of the Seen and Unseen

The Illusion of the World

On the second day of the Yilan Dharma Assembly, themed 'Awakening the Life-Heart, Living a New Life,' held in conjunction with the Thrice Yearning Ceremony, we reflect upon the nature of our existence. This world is an empty realm. Within this environment, we constantly navigate the interplay between the illusory and the true, the substantial and the void. To the unenlightened, these distinctions are often blurred, leading to a life of confusion and deep-seated attachment.

The Natural Order of the Seen and Unseen

There exists a natural order between the unseen realm of spirits and the seen realm of the living. In the original, harmonious state of the universe, the unseen should not encroach upon the seen. Each has its own place and its own path. However, in the current state of our world, this balance has been disrupted. We observe a transition where the unseen begins to enter the form of the seen, and the clarity of the spirit becomes clouded by the environment. This transition is not a natural progression but is driven by the weight of our own desires.

The Path of Awakening

When we allow our desires to govern our actions, we lose our footing. It is as if we are lost in a dream; our spirit wanders, and our consciousness becomes fragmented. We find ourselves in a state of haze and uncertainty, where the heart is no longer bright or clear. We must learn to transform our environment by first transforming our hearts. Do not allow the dust of the world to settle upon your mind. You must awaken to the truth that reality is not something that should cause you to sink into the depths of suffering. Instead, you must choose to align yourself with the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way.

Sincerity and Liberation

Keep your heart sincere, for sincerity is the shield that prevents you from falling into the suffering of the unseen. In this world of the living, you must remain clear and bright, never following the path that leads into the darkness of the lower realms. By chanting Namo Amituofo, you anchor your spirit in the light of the Buddha, ensuring that you remain on the path of liberation. Recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Shi Faxi. Namo Amituofo.