Reflections on Life

Deiform Buddha

December 1, 2006

Descending into this world, seeking the Way to live as an authentic person, enduring hardships, refining one's character, often gazing at the stars in search of life's path. Observing the changes of time, exploring the principles of the Heavenly Way’s evolution—though dwelling long in a humble abode, I have always carried the ambition to aid all living beings. Yet, despite grand aspirations, my talents are meager, my knowledge shallow, like having the appetite of a giant peng but with the wings of a sparrow. My heart is vast as the earth, but my fate is as delicate as a thread.

Year after year, I have devoted myself to study, my thoughts surge like an endless flowing mighty river. My aspirations soar like white clouds around the majestic Mount Tai. Yet my abilities are barren, like a saline wasteland. I barely preserve my existence in this world, compromising and blending into mediocrity. I have not repaid Heaven for granting me life, nor have I served to ease humanity's confusion. As time slips away and my allotted years near their end, I find myself having accomplished nothing.

I have betrayed Heaven, my mission, the nurturing of Nature, and the kindness of my parents. I have failed the teachings of sages and mentors and disappointed the earnest expectations of younger generations. A person like me is utterly useless—less valuable than a pile of manure nourishing flowers and grass, or a pond offering water to mountain sparrows. I lament the waste of spring’s glorious days and years.

Awakening came too late; my ties to gods, Buddhas, and celestials were too shallow. Selfishness consumed me, and I squandered my golden time on trivial pursuits. Although I never pursued fame or fortune, I often indulged in the fleeting pleasures of life's frivolities. Foolish indeed! Unable to endure hardships or face life's challenges, I contented myself with minor joys and fumbled through life in a haze. My efforts to cultivate virtue fell short; my seven emotions and six desires overflowed, clouding my vision and delaying my life's purpose. Looking back, my deeds are as faint as fireflies, my accomplishments are as scarce as footprints in shifting sands. I cannot farm nor labor well, muddling through life while growing fat and sluggish—a shameful waste of time.

Grateful to Heaven, Earth, and the Greatest Creator for the miracle of the internet age. I now scour my mind to write articles, sharing my initial thoughts to inspire wisdom in others. I seek to pave a path for many, contributing my thoughts and efforts. I offer all I have understood to the world, aiming to clear karma, repay debts, fulfill my duties, and accumulate merit for a better future.

I aim to reflect the Greatest Creator’s boundless grace, reveal the principles of the Tao, spread Jesus’s boundless love, and promote Buddha’s compassion. I wish to inherit the virtues of sages, emulate the character of the virtuous, and illuminate the mysteries of time and space while unraveling the enigma of LIFE. Adapting to changing circumstances, I discuss the meaning and value of life, seizing every opportunity to make sure my journey in this world is worthwhile.

I will not shy away from hardships or fear difficulties. Tears will be swallowed, and grievances kept to myself. Cherishing every fleeting moment, I strive forward with vigor. Like the silkworm that spins its final thread and the candle that burns to its last flicker, my life will persist in effort and dedication.

I work tirelessly to usher in the era of Lifechanyuan for all who labor in this world. I aim to guide those seeking the Tao toward the path of LIFE, revering the Greatest Creator, LIFE, and Nature. Let the finite span of human existence merge into the infinite dimensions of LIFE and time, walking the Way of the Greatest Creator, and uniting with the Greatest Creator as one.