At the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre, the fourfold assembly of disciples has been granted a rare opportunity to understand the true nature of drowsiness and the experience of entering internal spaces. This insight has been made possible through the clear vision and vast experience of Practitioner Su in saving sentient beings. Through this, the profound mysteries of the human body are once again revealed to us.
We have come to realise that the phenomenon of drowsiness—where one feels as though they are drifting away or entering a different realm—is actually occurring within itself. It is not a simple matter of physical exhaustion. Rather, it is caused by the sentient beings residing within our bodies, who pull our soul into the vast, internal dimensions that exist inside us. These internal spaces are countless; one could truly say they are immeasurable and boundless.
The Vast Archive of the
Who are these beings that dwell within us? They are our parents, teachers, and from immeasurable aeons past, as well as other sentient beings with whom we share a karmic connection. To understand this, we must look at the nature of our true self:
The True Self: Every person has only one true self, which contains the Alaya .
The Eternal Nature: The life of the true self is without beginning or end. It is impossible to calculate when it began or when it might cease.
The Storehouse: Every experience, every action, and every memory from every lifetime is recorded and stored within the Alaya consciousness.
Therefore, the spaces within the human body are filled with the history of our existence. From the beginning of time, through thousands, millions, and even billions of years, how many parents, teachers, and karmic creditors have we accumulated? The number is truly beyond calculation.
The Trigger of Mind Fluctuations
Whenever we lack meditative concentration and allow our minds to wander, we create fluctuations of the mind. Every thought and intention acts as a signal. These thoughts trigger the beings within our internal spaces—those who share a karmic resonance with our current state of mind—to wake up. Consider this, disciples of the fourfold assembly:
Constant Activity: Throughout the day, 24/7, our minds are in a state of constant motion.
Countless Thoughts: The number of thoughts and mental fluctuations we experience in a single day is already beyond counting.
Accumulated : When you consider how many days you have lived in this lifetime, the total number of thoughts that have already awakened these internal beings is staggering.
This is why, when you feel drowsy or enter these internal spaces, these countless beings are able to pull your soul into the specific dimension they inhabit. If your soul is willing, or if it lacks the strength to resist, it will resonate with these beings and be drawn into their realm.
Overcoming the Obstacles to Practice
The timing of this drowsiness is unpredictable. It can become a habitual pattern, occurring during a midday nap, during long periods of sleep at night, or even at specific times dictated by the will of these internal beings. When this happens during a assembly or while you are trying to listen to sutras and hear the Dharma, it creates significant interference and obstacles. It makes it extremely difficult to engage in diligent practice or to achieve spiritual success.
Disciples of the fourfold assembly, you must understand that when you fall into this state of drowsiness, the damage to your practice is profound. You must face these beings with sincerity, humility, and a heart of repenting. You must strive with all your might to overcome this, to stop the drowsiness in its tracks, and to prevent it from continuing. Only then will there be room for your practice to progress and for you to realise your true nature.
The of Practitioner Su
We must also express our deepest gratitude to Practitioner Su for his constant reminders whenever disciples fall into this state of drowsiness. Whether through his Lion’s Roar, calling out the name of the person, or making a sound to help them return to awareness, he is helping the soul exit these internal spaces so that one may continue to listen to the Dharma, participate in the Dharma assembly, and remain on the path of practice.
Here at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, the power of the Buddha is always here to support you. You must be even more diligent in your own efforts, allowing your to arise so that the two forces—the Buddha’s grace and your own diligent practice—can work in harmony. Only then will you be able to leave suffering behind and find true happiness.
