Response to a letter from Buddhist Que-Tram Thi Nguyen and her family.

This Buddhist sent her regards to me and expressed her family's turmoil. The following is a segment of that letter:

"…Because my mother was miserable and felt hopeless, she committed suicide after drifting for three days in the ocean [1]… Once we reached safety, my father was extremely depressed and indignant which has led to his current mental condition. Sometimes he is alert, other times not at all…my younger siblings were still young and naïve…we didn't know what else to do but cry and pray…

I hope to receive reassuring words as well as the teaching from someone who is compassionate in order to somewhat reduce the sadness and despair I feel at this point…”

I would like to sincerely offer some words of encouragement and advice to you. Even though on this occasion I will give advice to one family in particular, within this writing I intend to send a similar message to all people who have had to endure so much pain, suffering and enmity. Especially those who still experience chronic depression and feel hopelessness when remembering their life history as well as all the golden moments and brilliant achievements of the past…

Namo Amitabha Buddha

Day comes and night quickly passes, everything is constantly changing, seasons move on, and even time, too, silently creeps forward without stopping for a single moment.

A person of Buddhist wisdom sees how fast time goes by as months come and days pass, and one’s life also follows this course to deterioration and decay… By realizing this one is awakened before the “dream of impermanence.” The natural law of existence: Birth, Living, Decay, Death (Formation, Existence, Decay, and Emptiness) illustrates to all sentient beings that life is impermanent, success is artificial and transitory. Life is ever-evolving, so all can be eventually awakened to find the path of enlightenment in order to liberate themselves from eternally drowning in the sufferings of death and rebirth.

That is life. Who doesn’t feel sad and melancholy?

In the Lotus Sutra, the Buddha taught:

“… The three worlds [3] are unsafe, much like a house on fire. Suffering is all pervasive, truly deserving to be terrified and frightened…”

This segment of the sutra means the following:

Sentient beings in the three worlds are hampered constantly by afflictions and sufferings. Living in the suffering conditions of this Saha World [4] is similar to living in a house on fire, full of dangers, life can end at any moment. Even so, everyone is completely oblivious and unaware, but continues to live leisurely, chasing after the five desires [5], as if nothing was going on.

Despite this, there are times when a tragic “eye-opening” experience happens or while enduring pain, suffering and heartache causes people who have wisdom to be awakened and realizes:

Nothing in this world lasts forever.

In the end, everything is a part of the cycle of Formation (birth), Existence (living), Decay (aging), and Emptiness (death). If there is birth, naturally, there will be existence for a certain amount of time, then decay will come, and, in the end, returning to dirt and sand…

Because we are awakened to these conditions of life, we begin realizing the theory of impermanence the Buddha taught in the Sutras is accurate. No matter how much glory, wealth, or success was achieved in the past (by you and your family), in the end, these accomplishments are not any different from a beautiful dream!

For those who have Buddhist wisdom, knowing to adapt and make the best of their situations, cleverly able to tolerate and endure the various conditions and circumstances of life, then:

What misfortunes, failures, and sufferings (no matter to what extent) can’t be transformed into blessings and happiness?

Confucius once taught:

“A great gentleman should be happy with his destiny and content with his conditions alway. Knowing this, he never blames Heaven (God) or other people. Thus, no matter what misfortune and tragedy he may experience, his mind is always calm and peaceful.” - Hsun-Tzu

A Saint also taught:

“Having wealth, then be content with being wealthy; being poor, then be content with being poor. Experiencing tragedy, then be content with the tragedy.”

What does this mean?

In short, this means to be “content and make the best of one’s situation in life.”

As for you (the father), in the former life you must have formed some good karma; therefore, in this life, you have enjoyed some “success.” However, in this life, for a long time now you have not been close to a person of wisdom and great knowledge or a good spiritual advisor to teach and guide you; therefore, you have not been able to understand clearly the various “extraordinarily splendid teachings” of our religion (Buddhism). Thus, with just one experience of misfortune, you became completely bewildered, confused, frightened, etc. giving rise to a mental illness (depression).

On this occasion, I have a few words of advice. I wonder if a great gentleman such as yourself is willing to take the time to somewhat ponder and deliberate these points or not?

Dear Buddhist,

Life, no matter how great or small, how high or low, will never be equal to Heaven and Earth or the sun and moon. However, the sun at high noon will soon set… a full moon, too, will disappear with daylight. Even the highest of mountains can turn into deep canyons, the ocean can become land, etc. Such matters, you have seen, heard, or learned in school (geological studies). You must understand: life has always been this way. The rise and fall as well as the changes are the inevitable part of existence. Nothing in life is eternal and unchanging (even great lovers will become the greatest of enemies, etc.)! First, I would like to present to you (a Buddhist) this matter:

Take K'ungfu-Tzu (Confucius) for instance, few were more virtuous and moral as he; his philosophical teachings taught and followed by countless people (for over 2000 years). Despite this, he was besieged in the Khuon region and almost died of famine in the State of Chen . He used his knowledge and understanding, traveling everywhere with the hope of teaching, reminding, and encouraging everyone to live a life of virtue in order to realize the fullness of being human, yet in the end his effort was futile! [6] He had only a son, but the child was dead at fifty, luckily he had a grandchild to carry on the family line and tradition. After Confucius, many virtuous Confucianist scholars, such as: Nhiem Ba-Nguu and Nhan Uyen became missing persons,

and became missing persons, Tu Ha and Ta-Ky Minh had to live in blindness, etc.

and had to live in blindness, etc. Khuat-Nguen drowned, Tu-Lo was shredded to pieces, etc.

All those I have just mentioned are considered by many as Great Virtuous Beings, yet even they were unable to avoid misfortunes and tragedies [7].

However, the reason they were happy and content as they endured and tolerated their conditions was because they knew and accepted their fates.

At a glance, briefly hearing these accounts, it seems as if everyone would agree they were people of few merits and blessings. Yet, even after hundreds and several thousand years, who does not highly esteem and respect their shining virtuous examples?

Thus, should their lives be considered a misfortune or meritorious?

Through the course of our lives, humans are often very calculating in every aspect, working on every imaginable project, but upon careful reexamination, none of these activities really go beyond the matter of food, shelter, clothing, and to "leave some legacy for the children and grandchildren of future generations."

But if speaking of food, any basic food is enough to overcome hunger, it is not absolutely essential to eat the most expensive and delicate foods.

As for clothing, wouldn’t any ordinary fabric be sufficient to cover the body, who really needs velvet and silk?

The Thirteenth Patriarch taught:

Rice, vegetables eliminate hunger,

Grass-hut for protection from frosts.

Who in life truly knows,

Afflictions no longer exist…

Great Master YIN-KUANG

(The Thirteenth Pureland Patriarch)

The essential question is:

Between the ordinary and the most delicate and exquisite food, once consumed, if someone were to ask how is being full different between these two meals? The obvious answer one would give is:

They are both the same; there is no difference. The ancient text has the saying:

A human’s life spent daily eating and drinking,

Good or bad depends on one’s condition,

Just so as long as kept from starving,

What happened once it passes the throat?

Without attachments just think it over and see.

What about having shelter?

Just ask yourself, is an ordinary house, with an ordinary roof, not enough protection from the sun and rain or is it necessary to have a mansion to be protected from snow and frost? Moreover, with a large home, obviously, there will be many expenses, having to maintain and renovate it constantly; if not, it will deteriorate and that would be a great misfortune.

Therefore, it must be understood, a large home, will not necessarily, bring the ultimate happiness in life.

And if someone says, “I am constantly planning and working to become financially independent, so in the future my children and grandchildren will benefit from it, etc.”, then, truly, this is even a greater mistake.

Why is this?

Because each child and grandchild has his or her own merits and part (destiny) in life. Do you think they depend entirely on the merits of their parents or grandparents? Moreover, if someone wishes to live out their days, then any ordinary trade or job will be sufficient to sustain a decent life.

Must it be necessary to have a life of wealth and luxury in order to be content and satisfied?

From the past to the present, in the name and for the sake of the children and grandchildren, who can equal Qin-Shihaungdi [8] in committing endless evil and wickedness?

After conquering the six states to unify China (Ch'in), fearing rebellion, this malicious emperor ordered confiscation of all weapons in the land to make statues and bells. Additionally, being afraid of courageous warriors and recalcitrant scholars who had the potential to overthrow him, he burned them to death. He also decreed the burning of books that opposed his Legalist philosophical beliefs as well as committing numerous other treacherous acts. His intentions were to make the people stupid and ignorant; thus, weakening them so they would not be able to rebel against the throne.

Even then that was not enough. He ordered his subjects to search the world over for a drug that would give him immortality ("the fountain of youth"). He wanted his empire and achievements to last forever; therefore, he called himself Shihuangdi (“First Emperor”) meaning there would be a second emperor, third emperor and so forth for tens and thousands of years to come.

Unexpectedly, when Tran-Thiep rose to power other warriors throughout the land began an uprising, Shihuangdi’s plans for lasting thousands of years came crashing down after only thirteen years. Eventually, all of his children were murdered. His life’s ambition was to give his children and grandchildren glory and luxury, but ironically it was his very doing that led to their deaths.

Similarly, during the time of upheaval and chaos (after the death of Shihuangdi) Zhao Gao [9] (Chao Kao) used his position as a king's magistrate to influence Emperor Huhai (Sihuangdi’s first son) and then, subsequently, took over the throne (unofficially). He, too, prayed and hoped his family's name, Zhao, would one day rule over China. Who could have guessed when he had just died, his body not even buried, his own son Zhao Phi betrayed him, forcing and taking his father's concubines as his wives. Later many unimaginably shameful events took place as his children slew one another in their attempts to gain control.

After Zhao Kao died, he was condemned to Hell. Over 1400 years later during the reign of Qianlong [10] of the Qing Dynasty (last Chinese Imperial Dynasty), there was a man who butchered pigs. After slaughtering and cutting open a pig, this butcher saw the words “Zhao-Kao” written clearly on one of the pig's lungs. The butcher became extremely frightened, so terrified he threw away his knife, came to a Buddhist Temple to take Refuge with the Triple Jewels (Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha), and begin to practice Buddha Recitation (Pureland Buddhism). He was given the Dharma name Phat-An ("Buddha is Peace"). Later on when he passed away he gained rebirth to the Buddha's Pureland.

This story is written in, “Pureland Enlightened Sages and Ordinary Beings Gaining Rebirth.” It is legitimate and not something someone fabricated.

As for working and building a future, just look at the example of Zhao Kao’s efforts as well as the total devotion of time and energy. How long did it last? At most, his life's works lasted for forty-five years and then they, too, disappeared like bubbles in water. Moreover, when battling for supremacy with Liu Bi and Ton-Quyen, fighting his entire life, how much peace did he ever have?

…And there are so many other examples. If all of them were accounted for, thousands of pages would hardly be sufficient. Please think it over carefully:

What were the ambitions of the emperors of those Imperial Dynasties?

In the beginning, they wanted to enjoy a life of luxuries and pleasures for themselves, then bring honor, glory, and prestige to their families, passing on the throne to their children and grandchildren, and so forth. Yet, after the fact, the truth is quite sad and disconcerting; all their efforts led to the death of their children and grandchildren, and, eventually, the family name completely wiped out because there is this saying:

“Winner becomes King, and loser becomes conspirator”

As a Buddhist, you must understand:

Money and wealth are like being kings and emperors, affluent with power and influence, yet there is no guarantee how long the children, grandchildren, and the royal line will reap such merits.

Thus, if such is their fate, you (all of us) are just an ordinary person. From the many past lives until now, the evil karmas each of us created are greater than the ocean's water, but wholesome practices are few and far between. Life is short and temporary, how can we wish our home will be filled with prosperity? Work and fortune will always increase, how can we continue to reap and enjoy wealth and luxury without encountering any misfortunes?

You must understand:

Everything in life, if it has form characteristics, then, inevitably, one day it will be destroyed (if there is life, there must be death). A human life is the same way. Even though we say a hundred years, it passes by in a flash, like lightning streaking across the sky, like a flower’s blossom, like the image of the moon at the bottom of lake, like a short breath, what is really eternal?

Why not think and ponder?

In the Sutras, the Buddha taught:

“… When a person is born not a single dime is brought along; therefore, when death arrives, not a word will be taken either. A lifetime of work, putting the body through pain and torture in order to accumulate wealth and possessions, in the end everything is worthless and futile (in the midst of Birth, Old Age, Sickness, and Death). After death, all possessions are given to others in a most senseless and pitiful manner [11].

At such time, there are not even a few good merits for the soul to rely and lean on for the next life. Therefore, such an individual will be condemned into the evil paths [12] immediately…”

There is this poem:

One day when impermanence arrives,

Only then realize one existed in a dream...

Thousand matters must be left behind,

Only thy karma will follow thee…

Karma here points to the offenses and merits each of us create while living. When death arrives, chances are it is too late to repent and be remorseful (no matter how much we may wish to)…

The question becomes:

For people existing in this world, what is worth holding on to?

I ask to answer it briefly:

There is only one single thing: our “mind nature” (also known as the “Buddha Nature”); it is unchanging and eternal. This is not only true of the past, but the present as well as the infinite future will continue to be the same way.

Not only can the “Mind Nature” be destroyed, but it will manifest itself according to the tens and thousands of conditions and circumstances it is in (depending on the choices we make).

If it follows the conditions of goodness to cultivate and practice, then it will become a deity, god, enlightened beings, Buddha…

However, if it should travel to the places of evil and wickedness, away from religion (the proper teachings), naturally, it will fall into the three hells [13], or become animals, etc.

In a previous letter of the Proper Teachings number three, I already said:

“If people’s lives are perfect, everything is just as they always dreamed, without encountering heartaches, worries, afflictions, or any pain or suffering, then this can easily give way to conceit, arrogance, etc.; thus becoming the breeding ground for countless transgressions and offenses…”

Perhaps, you have not forgotten it.

Furthermore, in the “Buddha Recitation King Jewel Samadhi Commentary Sutra,” the Buddha taught:

“While living in life, don't pray not to have any misfortunes because without misfortunes conceit will rise.”

A wise person (having Buddhist Wisdom) will use misfortunes (as the opportunity) to awaken from being mesmerized by success, fame, fortune, wealth, etc. and realize the Buddha's teachings are true and accurate, and then use this realization to develop a cultivated mind praying to gain enlightenment in the future. From that point on, relying on the Buddha's power [14] to bring along one’s karma to gain rebirth [15] and escape the boundaries of the cycle of rebirths in an instant (by gaining rebirth to the Western Pureland of the Amitabha Buddha), crossing over to an enlightened world, and achieving non-retrogression (toward attaining Buddhahood) in the future.

Wouldn’t this be what it means to be fortunate in an unfortunate situation?

The way to liberation is like that. Why have you become so bewildered, confused, unmindful, inattentive, oblivious, dreamy…so depressed you have even attempted suicide just as your soul mate has done. As a parent, why do you think of and be sympathetic to your innocent and naïve children, as they cry and hurt in recounting your story? Do you realize how much sadness and anguish you have caused your family?

In this way, you are not only hurting yourself, but your children as well. How can you be so inconsiderate?

You are an officer, having been ranked as a Captain, which means you are considered an educated man. Therefore, you must know this saying:

“A great gentleman’s mind is in the four directions. He is able to exist beyond the ordinary conditions, and is unbounded by the frame of a small door [16].”

Thus, don't let external realities torment your body and soul. Supposing you own a great mansion with gold and precious jewels filling your treasure room, but when you are burglarized by thieves you must abandon your home to protect yourself. Otherwise, who would be ignorant enough to stay and guard their possessions and wait to be killed? True, even though gold and jewelry are valuable, compared to a human life, there is absolutely no comparison.

In “Tam Dia Quan Sutra”, the Buddha taught:

“…Of all precious jewels, the life-jewel is the greatest, if there is life, it is the priceless jewel…”

Ordinary people also have the saying:

“We gather for possessions our lives, otherwise who would (is insane enough to) sacrifice their lives for their possessions.”

Thus, shouldn’t you hope to maintain your livelihood; why worry someday you wouldn't be able to rebuild your life?

We are living in a period of destruction, an age of constant wars, rebellions, and chaos. Everywhere, our country specifically and the world in general, people and countries are being destroyed, overwhelmed, and devastated creating much sadness and countless misfortunes. It is impossible to account for all those pains and sufferings. Not only is our native country, Vietnam, this way, elsewhere in the world, everywhere there is war and fighting; it is difficult to know when this will end.

Where do you think all of this comes from?

According to the Buddha's teaching:

“It is the reflection and retribution of the evil karma sentient beings create.”

I'm afraid from this point on, with each passing day sentient beings will experience more and more sufferings. In this age of war and destruction, smoke and fire will continue to be rampant and will continue for much longer, and for all the pain and suffering they will cause, the more I think about them the more frightening they become.

The Buddha taught:

“If sentient beings are free of the killing-karma [17],

How can the world have war and fighting?”

Or:

“If one wishes to know the causes of wars,

Just listen to butcher shops screaming all night.”

O my goodness! If sentient beings continue to commit the karma of killing, how can we hope to avoid wars?!

I wish a great gentleman such as yourself will be able to examine and reflect carefully what has been said, so you will alleviate some of your sadness and depression and use your mind and lean on the marvelous teachings of Buddha. First, it will give you alertness and attain peace and, secondly, it will help you develop the Bodhi Mind [18] to cultivate, praying after once this karmic body [19] ends as well as throughout all of eternity, you will always be able to lean on and take refuge with Buddha.

There is always the holy water and the willow branch of the Avalokitesvara Maha-Bodhisattva [20], always extending His golden arm, loving, sympathizing, rescuing, and helping all sentient beings (who pray for help and guidance).

The Sutra taught:

“The Bodhisattvas are afraid of cause (actions), sentient beings are afraid of effect (consequences)"

Because the Bodhisattvas are “afraid” of bad consequences in the future, they avoid planting evil-causes (evil karma) in the present. However, sentient beings compete constantly to gather evil-causes (evil actions); therefore, they must suffer evil effect (consequences).

When enduring the effect (of their evil actions), they are not remorseful or willing to repent. Not only do they blame Heaven (God) and other people, but they continue to create more evil karma in opposition and retaliation [21]. Therefore, enemies and vengeance will continue to exist forever in this vicious cycle. (For these people the motto is, “I will do to you what you have done to me, but with great vengeance and cruelty” or as some say in the Western cultures, “an eye for an eye”). This is truly worth pitying yet also very frightening at the same time.

I am nothing more than a cultivated person, lacking culture and sophistication, not knowing what else to say. Foremost, I have relied on the teachings of the Patriarchs, and secondly, because you and your family wrote me asking for advice, I am writing these few words to send to you with love, respect, and sincerity (even though we have never met). There is so much I want to say, but I'm not sure how to organize to make it right, so I hope my reply is satisfactory because it comes from the bottom of my heart.

I hope you will not look upon me as an outsider, only to ignore this advice that came from my heart and soul.

If you choose to listen, perhaps one day you will experience the “clearing black clouds gives way to the brilliantly shining sun” with regard to your misfortune and tragedy in order to find peace and happiness. I also hope you will be able to alter your hurt and anger to transform it into love and warmth (forgiveness).

Otherwise, if you continue to cling to ignorance and illusion, then there is nothing that needs to be said about the compassion I feel for you. I’m only afraid first, you are destroying yourself, thereafter, disappointing the spirit of your late soul mate as well as causing much pain and grief to your young and naive children…

If this continues, not only will your “mental states” not improve, evil fiends and spirits will take this opportunity to influence and take possession of you. By then, I'm afraid I will not be of any use to you nor will any other true Buddhist Masters and kind sages be able to help.

At this point, I will use the old sayings of our ancestors to conclude this letter:

“If thee go on hurting thyself,

Don't ask why ‘heartless’ afflictions refuse to let go [22]”

If that is the case, then:

A thousand Compassionate Buddhas cannot rescue [23],

Infinite kalpas condemned in endless sufferings [24].

I sincerely send my love and regards to you and all your family.

[1] This family is one of the many “boat people” searching for freedom once the Vietnam War ended in 1975. Of the millions of Vietnamese refugees who fled the country in search of freedom, many were lost and died at sea due to pirates (mostly Thai fishermen) and poor equipment, navigation, etc.

[3] Three Worlds: Desire World, Form World, and Formlessness World.

For instance, the world we are living in currently is considered a Desire World because there exist desires, lusts, wants, needs with regards to men, women, relationships, as well as beauty, money, fame, power, etc. The Desire World includes the first six levels of Heaven though the conducts of the Heavenly beings are more pure and wholesome compared to the Human realms.

In the Form World (Form Heavens), the sentient beings do not have sexual desires similar to those in the Desire Worlds. Therefore, though these Heavenly beings have form bodies (non-physical), they are not differentiated into male and female (everyone has a similar body type).

As for the Formlessness World (Formless Heavens), the Heavenly beings living there do not have form bodies similar to those dwelling in the Desire and Form Worlds. They rely on their “Alaya Consciousness to exist” (in lay term this consciousness is known as one’s soul or spirit; the physical body may die, but this last consciousness moves on in the cycle of rebirths) and do not have form characteristics.

[4] Saha World: is a Great World System consisting of one billion moons, suns, infinite planets, etc., of which the Earth is only a very small part. The Sakyamuni Buddha presides over the Saha World.

[5] Five Desires: Are the pleasures sentient beings can never have enough of including, Form (Beauty), Money (power), Fame, Food, and Sleep.

[6] His effort was futile: Meaning, during Confucius’ time, China was divided into hundreds of feudal states. Thus, as much as Confucius tried to convince the royalties, of various states, to teach their people to be Humanitarians, they did not listen because they were consumed with vying for power and supremacy over their neighboring states. Only once this period of turmoil settled, did people begin to realize the true powers of Confucius’ teachings.

[7] This idea is not foreign to the Western cultures either. Even Jesus Christ (an incarnation of a Heavenly King who reigned over the Southern Direction of the First Heaven of Desire called the “Heaven of Four Kings”) a saintly being, who appeared in the world to teach people to live morally was unable to avoid being crucified by the Romans. Yet he contentedly accepted his fate as he did not grieve or demonstrate hatred even as he was murdered. The message here is simple, give one’s best efforts to live as morally and virtuously as possible, and then accept everything that comes in life (both the good and bad). Why? Because the Law of Karma never lies, meritorious and unmeritorious deeds will have their corresponding consequences. Knowing this truth, instead of agonizing over one’s fate, the cultivators can peacefully accept life for what it is and never blame God (Heaven), Buddha, or anyone else for their misfortunes. They realize somewhere in their past whether it be many lives ago, in the last life, or in the present life, they must have created the cause (karma) for the current consequences (karmic retribution). At the present, the best thing to do is repent and pray that they will live through it. Otherwise, it would be truly tragic if they retaliate and create even more unwholesome karma (by cursing Buddha, God, etc. for being so unfair).

[8] Qin Shihuangdi (Ch'in Shih-huang-ti): His name was King Zheng (Cheng) but self-titled his latter name, which literally means “first emperor”. He was the founding father of the Qin (Ch'in) Dynasty (221-206 BC) and he was responsible for building most of the Great Wall of China where millions of Chinese were killed in the process.

[9] Zhao Gao (Chao Kao): a eunuch who had been the crown prince's tutor, plotted to usurp power and conspired to force the crown prince to commit suicide. He then had Shihuangdi's second son, Huhai, who reigned from 211 to 207 BC, installed on the throne as the Second Emperor.

[10] Qianlong or Ch'ien-lung (1711-99), fourth emperor (1736-96) of the Qing (Ch’ing) dynasty in China which lasted almost 300 years (1644-1912). His dynastic name was Kao Tsung.

[11] Meaning: There are countless examples of people who spent their entire lives accumulating wealth only to die without having the chance to spend it; thus, all their hard earned possessions are given away “so freely and senselessly” and sometimes to the most undeserving people.

[12] Evil Paths (realms): Hell, Hungry Ghost, and Animal.

[13] Three Hells: In general, this is only an arbitrary number that represents all hells. More specifically, the three hells include:

demons cut and chop the prisoners to punish them. knives are everywhere, mixed together with gusts and wind, chasing prisoners, to shred them to pieces, and An ocean of blood: Prisoners are mangled and become part of the ocean of blood.

As with all hells, once dead the spirit is reborn to endure the punishment again and again until the proper time has been served.

[14] Buddha's power: the power of spiritual penetrations the Buddhas use to rescue and aid sentient beings. Thus, by chanting the Amitabha Buddha’s name daily, the Pureland cultivators vow and pray for His rescue and deliverance when death arrives, so they will gain rebirth to the Ultimate Bliss World. In essence, this is the basic foundation of Pureland Buddhism: relying on self-power to recite the Amitabha Buddha and also relying on the Buddha’s power to rescue and deliver when death arrives

Note: All Pureland cultivators must observe and apply Faith, Vow, and Practice in their daily practices.

[15] …bring along one’s (unwholesome) karma to gain rebirth: As discussed in the “Daily Practices of Pureland Buddhism” (written by the First Patriarch of Vietnamese Buddhism, Great Venerable Master Thich Thien-Tam, available in English), with all other Dharma traditions (Zen, Esoteric, etc.), cultivators must be able to end or eliminate all their karmas and faults (False and Binding views, Tiny Delusional Bindings, etc.) to attain enlightenment. However, with the Pureland Tradition this is not necessary because the Pureland cultivators can bring along all their former karmas to the Pureland and eventually attain enlightenment there. This is made possible through the Great Vows of the Amitabha Buddha.

[16] Meaning: He is able to live a life free from the daily burdens of life, not affected by every little suffering and disturbance of life. This is the mind of a person who has peace and tranquility; someone who will be a great leader in society because he is open-minded and remains calm to make clear and rational decisions while in hostile and unpredictable environments.

[17] Killing Karma: is the karma of killing other sentient beings (feeling beings with a consciousness) for food, pleasures, etc.

[18] Bodhi Mind: The mind that above aspires to attain the Ultimate Enlightenment of Buddhahood, and below vows to rescue all sentient beings from pain and suffering, bringing them to the shoreline of enlightenment. This is the fundamental concept of Pureland Buddhism as well as other Buddhist traditions practicing Mahayana Buddhism (“Great Vehicle” as opposed to Hinayana [Theravada] Buddhism [“Small Vehicle”], Buddhists who practice Hinayana Buddhism concern themselves only with their own enlightenment. Once they reach Nirvana, they do not wish to return to the world in order to help others to find enlightenment also (this is truly a great loss for sentient beings). In general, the “Bodhi Mind” is the mind seeking any level of “Enlightenment,” but the enlightenment of Buddhahood is the “Ultimate.” To truly accord with the vows of the Buddhas and Maha-Bodhisattvas, cultivators should aspire for the “Ultimate Enlightenment.”

[19] Karmic Body: is a body formed from the accumulations of various karmas (good or evil actions) each person created in former lives. Thus, this is why some people are richer, poorer, smarter, dumber, taller, shorter, thinner, fatter, beautiful, ugly, etc.

[20] Avalokitesvara Maha-Bodhisattva: Is one of the “Three Great Saints of Pureland Buddhism,” which also includes the Amitabha Buddha and Mahasthamaprapta Maha-Bodhisattva. Avalokitesvara attends the Amitabha Buddha’s left side, representing love and compassion, and Mahasthamaprapta attends the right side, representing, strength and power (of maha-prajna wisdom)

[21] Create more evil in opposition: Meaning they endure suffering because of the evil they committed in their former lives. Thus, in this life they must endure the consequences of such evil. Not only do they not repent, but they create more evil in opposition to what they have to endure. For example, if someone insults them, they insult that person even more, or if beaten by someone, they beat that person even more to suit their hate and anger, etc.

[22] Meaning: It is essential for all Buddhists to understand clearly: In the end, “no one can help us but ourselves.” No matter how marvelous and ingenious the medicine, if a sick person refuses it, then no matter how great the doctor, there is nothing to be done but to watch and pity the person who suffers. The Buddha Dharma is the same way, it is the greatest medicine of all medicines; it is the vehicle that allows sentient beings to find the ultimate freedom and enlightenment. However, if sentient beings choose not to follow this path, then what is the Buddha to do. No matter how much non-discriminatory love and compassion the Buddhas and Maha-Bodhisattvas possess, they cannot do anything to alleviate sufferings when people continue to drown in their ignorance, ego, etc., while refusing to seek for treatment, advice, comfort, and shelter in the Triple Jewels (Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha).

In short, if we sentient beings continue to follow our own suffering ways (lusting for fame, power, prestige, beauty, have greed, hatred, and stupidity, etc.), refusing to let go, to find the light in the Buddha’s gate, then we have no one to blame but ourselves (when we suffer because of our evil karma). This is why the Patriarchs taught and the Virtuous Masters often reminded us, “Heaven or Hell, Enlightened or Unenlightened is up to the mind (of each individual).” Thus, a true Buddhist lives a pro-active life, travels the path in search for enlightenment, and no matter what circumstances life brings before him or her, he or she must forge forward knowing clearly the law of karma (“what goes around comes around”) and be willing to take full responsibility and be accountable for all his or her actions. May we and all sentient beings live a life of virtues and wisdom, so one day we will all be friends on the cultivated path.

[23] A Thousand Compassionate Buddhas: This refers to the sutra teachings that we are currently living in a period known as the ‘Virtuous Kalpa.” It will last over 1.4 billion years and in this time span the Saha World will go through a full cycle from Formation to Emptiness (refer to earlier explanation). The Sakyamuni Buddha (historic Buddha) taught that in this “Virtuous Kalpa,” one thousand Buddhas will in turn appear in the world. Since the formation of this Virtuous Kalpa, four Buddhas have appeared (in order of appearance: Krakucchanda Buddha, Kanakamuni Buddha, Kâçyapa Buddha, Sakyamuni Buddha). Thus, the Sakyamuni Buddha is the fourth Buddha of this “Virtuous Kalpa” and the next Buddha, Maitreya Buddha, will appear 8.5 million years from now. The last or the one thousandth will be Lauchi Buddha.

After the appearance of the last Buddha, the current Saha World will not see the appearance of another Buddha and will decay and eventually be destroyed completely. Thereafter, a new world will form, also called Saha World, and will be called the “Star Kalpa.” That Kalpa will also have 1000 Buddhas. The first Buddha of that kalpa will be known as “Sunlight Buddha” and the thousandth Buddha will be called “Sumeru Characteristics Buddha.”

[24] In summary: If people continue to follow their own suffering and self-defeating ways, refusing to cultivate to change and continue to create unwholesome karma, then even if a thousand Buddhas have come and gone, they will still be suffering in the evil paths of animal, hungry ghost, and hell. As discussed, no matter how compassionate the Buddhas are, they cannot help those who do not seek or want to be helped. And why do people not want help? Because their karma and ignorance blind them from seeing the “light.” This ideology is similar to trying to point out the various splendid colors of the rainbow to a blind person. No matter how hard one tries the blind person cannot appreciate or know what it is like to see the magnificent colors of the rainbow (i.e. Buddha Dharma). Overall, don’t get trapped in the language, seek to penetrate the meanings. The message is relatively straightforward: Live a proactive life, knowing and believing wholeheartedly, nothing is outside the mind. If the mind can create karma, the mind can also overcome and eliminate karma by listening and practicing the enlightened teachings of the Buddha. Finally, it must be understood, “no one can help us unless we wish to help ourselves first.” As prophesied by the Buddha and taught by the Pureland Patriarchs, in the Dharma Ending Age, NO other dharma door (Zen, Pureland, Esoteric, etc.) is more appropriate to the level of sentient beings than Pureland Buddhism. Presently, for the majority of Buddhists, lay or ordained, if they wish to seek liberation from the cycle of rebirth, the Pureland path is the only way. Why? Because with karma, afflictions, and chaos surrounding cultivators, most cannot gain enlightenment through the penetration of other magnificent theories and practices of other sects of Buddhism, such as Zen Buddhism.