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A Major Epidemic
- Guru's Talk: A Major Epidemic
- By Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen Lu
- Translated by Cheng Yew Chung
- Edited by TBN
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I once read a book which
described an ancient kingdom in Central America. The kingdom was
prosperous and filled with majestic architecture. The cultural atmosphere
fluorished and the place was permeated with an aura of greatness.
Yet, suddenly within a span of several days, the whole kingdom of
people had vanished. Where did the people go? The exodus occurred
within days and no one knew exactly what had happened, leaving many
scholars perplexed. Research into this event thus went on and on.
I came across this poem:
This world is filled with suffering souls
Whose misfortunes are of their own doings
As the long weeds growing all over will block the appearance of
spring
[So] A person chained in shackles will find it agonizing to pass
the night
Do not cry out your grievances to the heavens
For should you moan in pain, you must seek help from the Buddha
The three lower realms are meant as a prison
It is advisable that you get out of the Samsara world soon.
I feel that it was an epidemic [that destroyed the kingdom], a certain
unknown yet highly contagious new germ (virus) that killed everyone
in its path. When a prosperous kingdom encountered an epidemic,
no one was able to escape its influence. It is true to say that
while we are enjoying singing and getting ourselves drunk, we might
drop dead on the spot.
What is the most fearful thing on earth?
The answer is germ (virus).
War may be terrible, but when an epidemic sweeps the land, it is
more terrifying!
It is a pity that sentient beings are unaware that if they can sincerely
recite the epithet "Namo Wu Ji Yao Chi Jin Mu Da Tian Zuen" (Homage
to the Great Heavenly Infinite Golden Mother of the Jade Pond),
they can protect themselves from epidemics. This is recorded in
the ancient scriptures.
Here is a poem:
I really want to cry for the world.
Even if human beings have eyes,
They fail to spot the needle.
Medical science has yet to know,
And no one in this world can communicate with it.
Yet when it arrives,
Human beings collapse one after another.
Before the vaccine is found,
Quarantine is the only solution
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