Bound by Worldly Afflictions, Better to Awaken and Cultivate the Path

Due to sudden, unexpected deaths caused by karma, when the mind is unprepared, it is generally difficult to achieve rebirth. Unable to be reborn, one becomes a wandering ghost, especially if the body was mutilated or entirely lost at death, making rebirth even more impossible. Such beings feel profoundly rootless, filled with terror, anxiety, and suffering. Those who die unexpectedly often find it hard to be reborn; they tend to linger at the place of their death, waiting for an opportunity, or attempt to cause accidents to seize the spirit of a newly deceased person and use it for rebirth—commonly known as "seizing a substitute." The same applies to those who commit suicide; only by seizing a substitute can they achieve rebirth. Consequently, places where accidents occur may experience repeated incidents over time, even happening again and again. This is true not only on land but also in the air and water; many accidents are caused by the attachments and obsessions of sentient beings.

To deliver these victims of untimely, accidental deaths and help them achieve rebirth swiftly, we should recite Buddha's name and sutras for them, dedicating the merit. This helps them understand the truth, relinquish attachments and obsessions, increase their virtuous karma, and grant them the opportunity to be reborn freely, rather than lingering endlessly at the site of their death. We should cultivate compassion, taking time to recite Buddha's name and sutras for the victims of this air disaster, dedicating the merit to them. If they can be reborn within a month, further accidents at the same location can be prevented.

Everyone will die eventually, but one should strive to avoid untimely or accidental death. It is best to achieve a peaceful, natural death, and at the very least, to preserve the body intact, as this facilitates matters in future lives. A good death and peaceful end are also the result of virtuous karma accumulated through meritorious deeds. Therefore, in daily life, we should act virtuously according to circumstances, accumulate merit, avoid evil deeds, and refrain from actions that harm others—especially regarding the Three Jewels. Support them if possible, but if not, do not slander or undermine them. Maintain blameless speech and conduct to avoid severe karmic retribution in this life and future lives.

Among the victims of this air disaster, were there not many whose lives seemed relatively fulfilling and happy? Were their careers, work, and families not enviable? Yet, what was their ultimate outcome? Decades of so-called fulfillment, happiness, and joy are followed by millions or even billions of years of suffering in future lives—homelessness, mental and physical distress, and even the difficulty of obtaining a physical body. Thus, wise individuals must adopt a long-term perspective, broaden their vision, elevate their standpoint, and use the strength of this finite life to strive for the eternal peace of liberation. Be intelligent and wise; avoid short-sightedness, narrow-mindedness, and pettiness. Do not focus solely on trivial, immediate gains while ignoring the immeasurable suffering of birth and death across countless eons in the future.

How many people make excuses, saying they cannot yet renounce household life or devote themselves fully to spiritual practice because they still have worldly responsibilities and obligations? But if your family and loved ones suddenly vanish, how would those responsibilities and obligations matter? If you yourself were to suddenly disappear, what meaning would responsibilities and obligations hold? Therefore, while you still have life and energy, you should engage in truly meaningful actions, focusing on what benefits the far distant future. Do not fixate solely on the present few decades, which are indeed exceedingly brief. The future spans vast eons—immeasurably long. Should you prioritize the fleeting pleasures of these few decades, or should you give greater consideration to the lasting peace of future eons? Matters of the world should long ago have been seen with crystal clarity. What could still cloud your eyes and mind? The wise should contemplate this well.

Dedication: By the merit of all Dharma propagation and group practice on our online platform, we dedicate the merit to all sentient beings throughout the Dharma realm and to the people of the world. May the world be at peace, free from war; may conflict cease and weapons be laid down forever; may all disasters completely subside! May the people of all nations unite in mutual aid, extending kindness to one another; may there be favorable weather, national prosperity, and people's well-being! May all sentient beings deeply believe in cause and effect, cultivate compassion and refrain from killing; may they widely form virtuous connections and extensively perform wholesome deeds; may they believe in the Buddha, learn the Dharma, and increase their roots of goodness; may they recognize suffering, cease its causes, aspire to cessation, and cultivate the path; may they close the door to the evil realms and open the path to Nirvana! May Buddhism flourish eternally, may the true Dharma abide forever; may the burning house of the three realms be transformed into the lotus land of Ultimate Bliss!