The Fleeting Nature of Time

The Journey of Diligent Practice

The days of our practice pass by with startling speed. In the beginning, we often wander through life in a state of confusion, unaware of the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. We drift without direction, caught in the currents of our own ignorance. However, once we truly commit ourselves to the path of practice, we begin to understand the terrifying reality of the laws of karma and cause and effect. This awareness naturally leads us to be more cautious in our speech and more disciplined in our actions.

As we witness the immense suffering of all beings, we start to feel the urgent necessity of saving them. We come to understand the tragic nature of being reincarnated in the cycle of samsara and the precious, rare opportunity to see our true nature. This realisation fuels our desire for diligent practice. We strive to see our true nature so that we may finally take charge of our own destiny, free from the blind impulses of the past.

The Unstoppable March of Years

Time and the years flow by like a rushing river. We blink, and twenty years have passed; another blink, and we are thirty. The decades slip away—forty, fifty, sixty, seventy, eighty—with relentless momentum. While the physical body inevitably succumbs to the signs of aging, the spirit of a true practitioner remains youthful and vibrant. This is the distinct mark of one who is truly dedicated to the Buddha’s path. Even as the world around us changes, our commitment to the Dharma keeps our inner light bright and clear.

The Compassionate Work of Chao Du

The three days of the Dharma assembly have passed in the blink of an eye. During this time, Practitioner Su has been tirelessly engaged in the work of Chao Du, reaching out to the demon crowds. This work continues day and night without a moment of rest. From this world to other realms, across the ten directions, throughout the Earth, the galaxy, and the entire universe, countless beings—including those in the heavens, demonic beings, and entities from other realms—have been given the chance to see the Buddha-light.

With the assistance of the twelve rays of Buddha-light from Namo Amituofo and the resonant sound of the great bell gifted by Great Master Xuanzang, these countless beings are guided into the Dharma-Nature Land. It is a profound transformation, where the path of the demon is turned into the Buddha's path. The number of beings saved during this assembly is truly inconceivable. While most people fear demons and choose to stay far away, Practitioner Su faces them without fear. This is a historic chapter in the annals of the Buddha’s teachings, a testament to the power of compassion.

The Impermanence of History

The tracks of history are also fleeting, passing by like clouds in the wind. The fourfold assembly of disciples has all been part of this history at various times. We have all played our roles in the grand narrative of the past, but where are those moments now? They exist only in the pages of history books, in the drifting smoke of the wind, or submerged in the deepest parts of the ocean. Because all things are impermanent, we must learn to let go.

Do not cling to the past. Do not chase after memories that no longer exist. Do not hold onto anything that is destined to fade away. All of these things will eventually become the past. The only thing that is truly real is the present moment. Therefore, you must cherish every single moment as it arises. Do not let a single instant pass in vain. By following the Buddha to save yourself and to save all beings, you are truly cherishing the gift of this human life.

Namo Amituofo