Kaji wrote:Son wrote:They can see the pure land on another planet? What do they say about it?
I think some of them can also see other planets, other galaxies, the deva and preta realms. Some use their power to see into the bodies of sick people and help cure them. I have heard some people can see not only into for example the Western Pure Land, but also your lotus flower there. (It is said that when you have made a vow to be reborn in the Western Pure Land, your lotus flower would appear in the pond in preparation for your rebirth there. The lotus flower shows how you are doing in your current Pure Land practice. Big and bright - good. Withering - not so good.)
I do not know any of these people very well, although I can contact a couple of them if I really want to. I just don't see any immediate need for their abilities. Asking them to have a look at my lotus flower (hopefully it's there) is nice, but if I am keen to be reborn in the Western Pure Land and follow the Buddha's teaching diligently and wholeheartedly I
know I will be reborn there no doubt.
No, I myself have the divine eye. I just haven't explored much practice into Pure Land. Coming from the ground of tradition, up, I of course understand the realms, spheres, dimensions and hence the five suddhavasa realms (which is somewhat where the Pure Land originates from). After following Buddha Gautama's teaching, practicing Thera, Vajra, and Zen, I have studied into Pure Land as well. Consciousness, the empowerment of Buddha Mind, manifestations and their emanations, embodiment, representations and mantra itself are very useful and as I understand Pure Land traditionally has made efficient use of this principle.
I haven't had the development of the divine eye to see Pure Land phenomena as of yet, but I haven't focused on that at all. As I understand, on the
whole the Pure Land refers to people born with conditions favorable to enlightenment. This could be people reborn on earth in communities where practice is beneficial and safe and they are disposed to progressing easily through enlightenment. It also includes distant places which are incredibly favorable for enlightenment, and furthermore the five suddhavasa realms, which are indeed vast--spanning the space of a billion worlds--and where anagamis (non-returners) are born to achieve nirvana. They are
the realms of enlightenment, at the top of the cosmos where consciousness is expanding exceedingly vastly, and time is almost slowed to standstillness because of the mental refinement.
I have definitely not reached the meditative states of concentration to perceive the suddhavasa realms, or any of the form realms of brahma. But the divine eye's nature is familiar to me, and so are devas, less so asuras, and pretas somewhat. I look forward to exploring this realm of perception. Thank you for your input.
If you want to elaborate on the lotuses, or if you have other similar knowledge, I'd be happy to hear it.
Son