A Fulfilling Life: Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju

The Radiance of a Life Well-Lived

Recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe. On the twentieth of April, 2025, during the midday offering, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju provided these profound teachings on the nature of a fulfilling life.

A fulfilling life is defined by the fact that within the twenty-four hours of a single day, not a single moment is allowed to pass in vain. Every second and every minute is a precious opportunity that must be put to good use. When you live with this awareness, you are no longer drifting through the currents of existence; you are actively steering your spirit toward the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

The Compassionate Path of Service

We should dedicate our time to the benefit of all beings. If you wish to help them leave suffering behind and find true peace, there are profound methods available to you. Chanting Namo Amituofo, combined with visualisation and Chao Du, is an excellent way to provide support to those in need. By extending our practice outward, we become vessels of the Buddha’s infinite compassion.

Alternatively, you may choose to dedicate your time to the purification of your own body, mind, and spirit. If you wish to elevate the quality of your spirit, there are essential daily practices that will serve you well: the continuous chanting of Namo Amituofo, performing prostrations to the Buddha, and reciting the Sutras. These are the foundations of a life dedicated to the Truth.

The Stillness Within the Storm

This is not a time for indulging in delusions or messy thoughts. Instead, it is a time for the continuous chanting of Namo Amituofo without interruption. You must be vigilant in your conduct. Do not think, see, speak, or act in ways that are harmful. Instead, cultivate the habit of thinking, seeing, speaking, and doing only what is good. Do not be a person who causes harm or speaks ill; rather, be a person who does good deeds and speaks words of kindness.

The Thrice Yearning Ceremony, which we hold three days a week, occupies nearly half of our weekly schedule. This is a significant commitment, but it is one that offers immense rewards. If you participate with sincerity and focus, you will find that you can overcome being drowsy, enter the spiritual space, and avoid the situations where you are controlled by demons or other beings, ensuring that your mind remains your own. By committing to these ceremonies, you will undoubtedly elevate the quality of your spirit and strengthen your foundation for rebirth in the Western Pure Land.

The Ultimate Return to Self

A fulfilling life brings you immense benefits. Most importantly, it allows you to let go of the self. When you realise that everything is empty, you begin to see that the welfare of all beings is the only reality that truly matters. In this state of selfless service, you nurture your compassion and expand your mind-capacity.

Through being fiercely diligent and persistent in your practice, you will find success in your Discipline (Precepts) and meditative concentration. As your Wisdom (Prajna) opens and manifests, you will see your true nature. This is the ultimate purpose of our practice: to return to our original nature and fulfil our vow to reach the Western Pure Land. Namo Amituofo.