The Realm of the Living and the Realm of the Dead: A Secret Few Truly Understand

Have you ever suddenly felt that someone was watching you in an empty room? Or heard footsteps on the stairs, only to open the door and find no one there? These experiences frighten us. But according to Master Thích Chân Quang, fear comes from not understanding. When we understand, we will see that this is not something to be afraid of, but rather an opportunity to love.

Two Worlds, Separate Yet Connected

In a talk given at the Phúc An Viên cemetery, Master Chân Quang began with a profound observation: the realm of the living and the realm of the dead, though separate, are deeply and intimately connected. Those in the spiritual realm can see us, but we cannot see them. They are right beside us, wanting to speak with us, but we cannot hear them. This creates suffering for both sides.

Though separate, the two worlds are profoundly bound together.

Imagine that someone you love has just passed away. You weep and grieve, while they stand beside you, comforting you: "Please don't cry, it's me, your sister!" But you cannot hear them. Their pain is even greater than yours, because they can see you but cannot communicate.

The Pain of Not Being Heard

When a spirit wishes to show their presence, they may affect physical things: a glass rolls off the table and falls, a door opens by itself, footsteps repeat again and again. This frightens us. But Master Chân Quang explains: the root of all fear is not knowing. The more the departed try to show they are present, the more we fear and avoid them, causing them even greater suffering.

The departed are people too. They were once human beings, and they need to be loved.

So do not regard them as strange beings. They are us, in another form. And like all living people, they need love and understanding.

Do Not Fear — Love Instead

Many people come to ask the Master: "There is a spirit in our home. What should we do?" The Master advises: do not suppress, do not cast spells, do not drive them away. Such actions only push them further away. When we resent them, they resent us in return, causing disturbances that make our lives more troubled. Instead, treat them as people who need help.

Offer food so they will not go hungry.

Chant sutras for their deliverance so they may take refuge in the divine power of the Buddha and soon be liberated.

These are the only two methods in Buddhism for dealing with spiritual phenomena in a wholesome and compassionate way.

In Buddhism, there is no such thing as bringing home talismans to suppress spirits. In Buddhism, there are only two things to do: first, offer food for the spirits to eat; second, chant sutras for their deliverance so they may listen.

The Wondrous Transformation of Spirits

When we chant sutras, the spirits hear the words of the Buddha. Their hearts begin to open. From dwelling only on longing, anger and resentment, feelings of reverence for the Buddha and of love gradually arise within them. These positive thoughts help their karmic obstacles slowly lighten, and their blessings from merit increase. Perhaps after three months, perhaps after a year, they will be liberated and reborn into a better place.

Master Chân Quang tells of spirits who sit behind us while we chant sutras, peering over our shoulders to learn each verse. We may not be aware of it, but this practice carries immense power.

The Material and the Spiritual: Two Opposite Yet Complementary Realms

The living depend on the material: we need food, clothing and shelter. Those in the spiritual realm depend on the spiritual: thoughts, ideas and feelings. In this realm, we create merit through material means — generosity, helping others — so that when we pass to the other realm, we may enjoy the happiness of the divine realms. Conversely, in that realm, they cultivate spiritually so that when they return, they become extraordinary human beings.

In this realm we live by and depend on material things, and we perform acts of merit through material means. In exchange, when we cross over to the other realm, we live in the happiness of the spirit.

Therefore, live well in this present life, do many good deeds, chant sutras and recite the Buddha's name. This is how we build blessings from merit for both worlds — for ourselves and for those who have passed away.

Life is an unending journey, one stage flowing into the next. Understanding the spiritual realm is not meant to make us afraid, but to expand our compassion. Set aside time each day, however brief, to chant sutras, pray, and share love. You will discover that true peace comes not only from the visible world, but also from these invisible connections filled with love.