Life is a journey, a grand performance. When the curtain falls and this play of life concludes, where is the true destination for each of us? This is a profound question that we must ask ourselves. Is this a question that only those nearing the end of their lives, or those suffering from severe illness who feel the approach of death, should contemplate and face with seriousness?
In truth, from the moment of birth, life is already confronted with the reality of death. Throughout the long journey of human existence, how many lives have come and gone, one after another? Some young lives depart far too quickly, often in sudden and unexpected ways. They do not even have the chance to contemplate this question before their lives are extinguished. They leave behind nothing but the profound sorrow of their parents, taking nothing with them into the unknown.
The Peril of Ignorance and Disbelief
There are others who do not believe in the existence of future lives or the laws of and cause and effect. Even when they witness the cycle of birth, aging, sickness, and death around them, they stubbornly insist that death is the absolute end—that nothing remains after ceases to function. It is only when they stand before the ten courts of hell, undergoing the rigorous questioning and judgment of the afterlife, that they finally realise the truth: the spirit never dies.
If one truly believes in the laws of karma and cause and effect across the three lifetimes, one would certainly seize every opportunity while alive to perform virtuous deeds. However, by the time many people come to this realisation, it is already far too late. They have allowed their precious human body to be wasted, passing through an entire lifetime without achieving anything of lasting value.
Navigating the Path to Truth
Some individuals understand that the human body is precious and seek to find their true destination and the Truth. Yet, because they lack proper guidance, they search in vain. In their confusion, they may even wander into the traps of demonic beings and false paths. This leads them away from the righteous path and results in the tragic outcome of entering the Demon Realm after death.
To encounter Practitioner Su, who has manifested in this world to save beings, is a rare and magnificent affinity. It is an opportunity that is difficult to encounter in a thousand years. Practitioner Su, despite taking on the suffering of sentient beings, moves forward with a straightforward advance. He does not fear demonic beings; rather, he works to save them. Through his power, he subdues and transforms them, allowing them to be reborn, to cease being demons, and to enter directly into the world of the Buddha. Yet, many sentient beings still depart from the human world without having had the opportunity to find the exit from this cycle of suffering.
Our Responsibility as Practitioners
Today, however, all of you who are students of Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre have not only encountered the Buddha, but you are also residing in a true Buddha-land. You should be practising with a heart that is steady and grounded. While you still possess this precious human body, you must strive to find your way back to your true self, reach out to other sentient beings with karmic affinity, encourage them to have faith in the Buddha and to chant , and make the sincere vow to seek rebirth in the Western Pure Land. This is the work that you are meant to do. Namo Amituofo.
