Awakening from the Dream

Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, recorded by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe.

On the twenty-seventh of August, 2022, during the second session of the Thrice Yearning Ceremony, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju offered these compassionate words to all practitioners:

The Lingering Echoes of Dreams

My dear children, when you first open your eyes and wake from a dream, what is the state of your heart and mind? Do you find that the remnants of the dream still linger within your thoughts? Perhaps the dream remains vivid and clear, circling in your mind like a persistent shadow. Or, conversely, do you find that the dream has vanished entirely, leaving you with no memory of having dreamt at all?

Regardless of the situations you find yourself in upon waking, you must remember to immediately invoke the Buddha-name. This is the most vital moment to return to the present. Do not allow your mind to be swayed by emotional ripples. The deeper your meditative concentration, the less you will be pulled or influenced by the contents of your dreams.

Life as an Illusion within an Illusion

You must realise that all things in this world are fundamentally illusory. If dreams are illusions, then the waking life we experience is merely an illusion within an illusion. It is simply another act in a grand, unfolding drama. If you allow yourself to become deeply immersed in these scenes, you are effectively losing yourself in the void of unreality.

Instead of chasing the phantoms of your own mind, it is far better to stand firmly and walk with steady, grounded steps. Return to the present moment, where the truth resides. Do not let your focus drift away into the fabrications of the past or the anxieties of the future.

The Constant Anchor of the Buddha-name

To maintain your clarity, you must keep the Buddha-name, Namo Amituofo, flowing through your heart 24/7. Let it be the constant rhythm of your existence, never ceasing, never faltering. By keeping the Buddha-name at the forefront of your consciousness, you ensure that you are always moving forward on the right path, regardless of the dreams or distractions that may arise.

Stay diligent, stay focused, and let the light of the Buddha-name guide you through every moment of your journey. Namo Amituofo.