The Great Earth: A Teaching on Our Spiritual Foundation

The Foundation of Our Existence

Where does the Great Earth truly exist? It is not merely the physical ground upon which we walk. It resides within our body, within our heart, within the external environment, and throughout the vastness of space itself. To understand the Great Earth is to understand the very foundation of our existence.

The Earth of the Body

Consider first the earth of the body. This is comprised of your bones, your sinews, your meridians, and your muscles. This physical frame serves as the vessel that carries your entire being through life. If your body is misaligned or if your bones are crooked, it is often a reflection of your past or present state. It may indicate that your heart has not been upright, your words have been dishonest or harmful, or your actions have been driven by selfishness rather than the public good. This physical imbalance is the karmic result of such causes. Therefore, to heal the body, one must first align the heart and the conduct.

The Boundless Earth of the Heart

The earth of the heart is boundless and without form. It possesses the extraordinary capacity to traverse both time and space. It is not limited by any barriers or obstacles. Whether you are looking across a mountain, across the vast ocean, or even across different realms, all can be contained within the earth of your heart. When your heart is pure and expansive, you are no longer confined by the limitations of the physical world.

The External Earth and the Infinite Dimensions

The external earth is the land that we perceive with our physical eyes. All things in the material world are born from this earth. The earth itself silently accepts the arrangements of nature. It embodies the virtue of tolerance, containing and enduring both the favourable and the adverse conditions that come its way. Furthermore, within the infinite dimensions of space, there exist countless types of ecosystems and worlds. All of these manifestations are ultimately born from the heart.

The Power of the Awakened Being

For those who have realised their true nature, the Dharma Body permeates everything without end. Their teaching is infinite, their Dharma power is boundless, and their compassion is beyond measure. To such an awakened being, the earth of the body, the heart, the external environment, and the vastness of space are all one single entity. Wherever there are beings suffering and waiting for your help, those who have realised their true nature know it in their heart and body, and thus, those beings can be saved.

The Path to Liberation

Many beings are currently suffering because they cannot master their own lives. Whether they are trapped within their own bodies, lost in their hearts, or scattered across the vastness of space, they are all waiting for your help. Only by realising your true nature can you save yourself and guide all beings to rebirth in the Western Pure Land. This message was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe, who served as the chief writer.

Namo Amituofo