Life is fleeting—we could depart this world at any moment. The six realms of rebirth spin endlessly, and there’s no guarantee that we will be reborn as human again after our current life ends. Even if we are reborn as humans, there’s no certainty we will encounter the Dharma again. 

       As Master Yinguang cautioned: “Being reborn as a human is harder than attaining rebirth in the Pure Land at life’s end.” The chance of returning to the human realm is slim—far more likely is a fall into the three wretched realms of animals, hungry ghosts, and hells. 

       Just think of all the meat we’ve consumed in this lifetime alone. These karmic debts must be repaid. And through what means? By suffering in the three wretched realms.

Shall we take this issue lightly? Certainly not, because the suffering involved is unbearable. This is therefore a matter of utmost importance – what we call the critical issue of samsara (the endless cycle of birth-and-death).

       The very reason Shakyamuni Buddha appeared in this world and taught the Dharma was to reveal the critical issue of samsara and show us the way out.

       If a teaching doesn’t address liberation from the cycle of birth-and-death, it misses the heart of the Buddha’s mission. What a tragic oversight! To merely encourage people to  pursue worldly and heavenly blessings—or worse, to teach falsely—is to lead them astray. 

       Since breaking free from birth-and-death is of such vital importance, our dedication to the Dharma must never waver. Life is uncertain, and our resolve may rise and fall, but as we grow older, our focus on this matter should only deepen—never weaken. 

       Know this well: All worldly affairs may be negotiable. However, when it comes to rebirth in the Pure Land—to breaking free from the cycle of suffering once and for all—there is no negotiation, no compromise. Like an arrow shot from the bow, there’s no turning back. 

(Translated by the Pure Land School Translation Team;
edited by Householder Fojin)