Awaken Quickly: A Call to the Truth

Recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

The following are the teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, delivered during the second session of the Thrice Yearning Ceremony on the fourteenth of September, 2024.

The Fleeting Illusion of the Physical Form

This physical body, which you currently inhabit, is composed of the four elements. It exists only within the fleeting span of a single, impermanent breath. You must quickly awaken from the deep-seated illusion that this temporary, fragile life is the ultimate reality. If you do not wake up before your life reaches its end, you will remain trapped in a dream, drifting once more into the endless cycle of reincarnation.

Consider those who once held great power and influence in this world, those who could command the winds and the rains. Where are they now? They have become aged, their teeth loose, and their strength faded. Think of those who once possessed great beauty and dignity; now, their faces are withered, and their eyes have lost their lustre. Even if one possesses vast wealth and status, when the final breath ceases, not a single thing can be taken along. Great worldly talent and intellect, in the blink of an eye, become nothing more than an empty dream.

The Endless Cycle of Suffering

Do not sigh in vain within this dream. It is a great pity to let a precious human life pass by without purpose. I hope that upon hearing the Dharma, you will awaken immediately, turn back from your misguided path, and begin your journey to the West. Like flowers that bloom and wither, the spirit drifts from one life to the next, caught in a repetitive cycle. When will you finally attain true liberation?

The karma of birth, aging, sickness, and death is the very nature of impermanence. We pass our lives in suffering, filled with sorrowful cries, yet no one can save us but ourselves. I hope you can hear the name of Namo Amituofo. With every recitation, your heart will find peace. Awaken quickly, do not fall back into the cycle of reincarnation, and make the firm vow to chant Namo Amituofo and attain rebirth in the Western Pure Land.

A Call to Diligent Practice

My children, you are drowsy and lost in this space. Please, wake up quickly and do not remain in this state of confusion. Time passes, minute by minute, second by second. If your practice is not yet complete and you have not yet awakened, when will you finally achieve success?

In this life, you have encountered the teachings of Namo Amituofo. Do not let this opportunity pass in vain. If you cannot purify your heart and achieve spiritual success, how will you return to the West to see Namo Amituofo? Do not continue to walk in a state of confusion.

I hope you will be courageous and diligent in your practice. Achieve success early, see your true nature, and join Namo Amituofo in the work of saving the world. Namo Amituofo