In life, we often encounter situations that seem unexplainable, like repeated accidents or unusual occurrences in certain places. Some people believe that these events happen because spirits or souls are lingering, seeking a similar fate to fulfill some kind of emotional or spiritual need. This concept is rooted in the idea that when someone dies in an unexpected or violent way, they may not be ready to accept their death, and they are drawn to places or situations where their energy can resonate with similar experiences.
The unseen world and the energy of compassion
Our understanding of life and death is limited, but many believe that the unseen world, like the realm of spirits, is very much interconnected with our own. The way we offer help or food to the living is similar to how we should offer our intentions and kindness to the spirits, though the method of “feeding” them is different. While we eat physically, they “feed” on energy—what we offer them is the energy of our compassion.
In this sense, offering kindness to those in need, whether living or dead, is an expression of our deepest compassion. The practice of sending energy and thoughts of goodwill to the departed is not something everyone may understand, but it remains an essential part of Buddhist teachings. Even if we can’t physically see or touch those in the unseen realm, we can still send our compassionate thoughts to help them.
The Role of Mindfulness in the Cycle of Life and Death
The essence of Buddhist practice lies in transcending suffering through mindfulness and self-awareness. The fundamental teachings of Buddhism are centered on liberation from suffering, whether it’s our own suffering or the suffering of others, seen or unseen. Acts of kindness—whether to the living or the dead—are not about proving our beliefs but about manifesting our compassion in tangible ways.
We may not always understand the full extent of the unseen forces at play, but the practice of offering compassion and mindfulness, regardless of whether we see the results, is what truly matters. We may not see the spirits or feel the impact of our thoughts, but we should remember that just because we cannot see something does not mean it is not real. Our limited perspective cannot define the extent of what exists beyond our immediate senses.
The Buddha’s teachings encourage us to not only care for the living but to extend our compassion to all beings, both seen and unseen. Whether we are able to help them directly or not, it is our intentions that matter. The Buddha’s ultimate goal is to guide us toward self-transformation and liberation, and by doing so, we naturally extend compassion to all, regardless of their state of existence.
Whether we believe in these unseen realms or not, our practice remains rooted in kindness, compassion, and mindfulness. The government may provide for us, but we continue to act with compassion because it reflects our virtue and the energy we bring into the world. Our actions are not just for our own benefit but also for the well-being of others, and through that, we contribute to the collective good.
Living with Compassion and Awareness
In the end, the teachings of the Buddha are not concerned with proving the existence of the unseen world, but with transforming ourselves through compassion, mindfulness, and self-awareness. By caring for both the living and the deceased, we expand our capacity for kindness, moving beyond the limitations of our ego. This practice strengthens our connection to all beings, seen and unseen, and fosters a deeper sense of unity and peace in the world. Even if we don’t fully understand everything around us, the act of living with compassion remains the most powerful force for transformation.
Lesson by Venerable Thích Pháp Hoà