Boundless Happiness: Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju

The Fragility of Our Worldly Existence

Boundless happiness—what a truly joyous state of being this is. In this world, we encounter so much injustice, sorrow, and pain. Within the hearts of all people, there is a deep, innate longing for stability, peace, and true autonomy. In these times, such a wish feels rare and difficult to attain. When we possess a physical body, we often spend our entire lives labouring to care for it, sacrificing our time and energy to satisfy its demands. Yet, despite all this effort, we often find ourselves trapped in reincarnation. It is truly a tragedy to spend a lifetime in such a way.

The Wandering Spirit

When the physical body is no longer with us, the spirit becomes a wandering soul. Without a place to call home, it may drift through the six realms of existence, cast about by the winds of its own past karma. One might ask: how does this happen, and where is the true destination for our body and spirit? We must realise that without a clear path, we are merely drifting in the vast ocean of reincarnation.

The Promise of Eternal Bliss

The Infinite Life Sutra tells us: The Land of Infinite Life is a place of boundless happiness. There, one is forever freed from the roots of birth and death. There is no longer any suffering or affliction. One may live for thousands of millions of kalpas, completely at ease and free to follow one's heart. This Western Land of Ultimate Bliss was constructed by Namo Amituofo over the course of ten kalpas. It is a realm of perfect peace, and it is waiting for each and every one of you to return home.

The Path Home

Namo Amituofo is waiting for you to make the vow to come to this pure land. To reach this destination, you must engage in the following practices:

• Sincere Faith: Believe deeply in the existence of the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss and the compassion of Namo Amituofo.
• Firm Vows: Make a sincere commitment to leave reincarnation behind and seek rebirth in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.
• Devoted Practice: Recite the name of Namo Amituofo with a sincere and focused heart.

When the time of your passing approaches, do not be afraid. If you can sincerely and single-mindedly chant the name of Namo Amituofo—even if it is just for one or ten breaths—you will be met by Namo Amituofo. He will arrive, accompanied by the lotus flower that you have been nurturing through your daily practice, to lead you into that sacred land.

A Waiting Compassion

Namo Amituofo has been waiting for you in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss for ten kalpas. Not a single day has passed where His compassion has ceased. I urge you not to become lax in your practice. Remember this truth: believe, make your vows, and put them into actual practice. Namo Amituofo is always here, waiting for you to return.

Namo Amituofo.

Recorded by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe.