There are a lot more previous lives of the Buddha. That’s why many people ask me, if it takes a very, very, long, long, long time to practice to become a Buddha, and that’s indeed true. But now we are already human beings, not tortoise(-people) anymore, so we don’t have to wait that long. […] To become a Buddha does take a long time, it’s true. But for those who are saved by the Buddha, it’s a bit faster. […]
That’s why Buddha said that it is difficult to meet a Buddha. That is, when a person has attained enlightenment, then that life is like a turtle shedding its skin. The shell is gone, the tail falls already. Then they’ve so-called, “attained the Dharma” already. So if we follow them and learn from them, we will also attain it. If we don’t attain Buddhahood, at least we can become an Arhat, a Bodhisattva, or a Saint. And we will enjoy happiness in this life, and next life, we’ll go to the Buddha’s Land to continue to practice. […]
It doesn’t mean that anyone who goes to the Buddha’s Land becomes a Buddha. (Yes.) This is mentioned in the Buddhist scriptures, the Amitabha Sutra says, “All beings in the Land of Amitabha Buddha, some have already become Buddhas. Some have become Saints, some have become Avaivarti Bodhisattvas, some are still ordinary people.” Even being an ordinary citizen in the Buddha’s Land is already amazing. If I could go there, I’d be willing to just sweep the floors. […] Being a citizen in the Buddha’s Land is, of course, so good! It is so-called above the human standards, above the angel standards, in order to be the citizen of the Buddha. […]
Being a Buddha is hard, what is the benefit? All day spreading the Dharma, and then some people believe, some don’t; some beat you, some curse you. Not everyone believes. […] Very few. There are some disciples. Disciples are few, but followers are many. What does “follower” mean? It’s kind of being superstitious where they take [my picture] home to bow to and ask for blessings, offer a few apples, and then later take them to eat because they’ve been blessed. If I came out from the picture to eat the offerings, they would be so scared they’d run away. […] After initiation, you asked for it, and then She jumped out to grab the apple, right? (Yes.) What? Say it again, let me hear. […]
