Busy and Fulfilling: Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju

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

June 6, 2025, First Session.

Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju offers these teachings:

The Cycle of Worldly Toil

Being busy and being fulfilled—this is the portrait of people in this world. In the midst of busyness, one acts according to the momentum of karma. When karma manifests, it is a matter of collecting debts or repaying them, of returning kindness or settling grievances. Therefore, I urge you to view these worldly affairs with detachment and lightness.

Now that you have understood this, you must chant the name of Namo Amituofo and vow to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Follow the conditions of your life to dissolve old karma, and do not create new karma.

The Illusion of Mundane Pursuits

In the state of being 'fulfilled' by worldly standards, one is busy with worldly affairs and occupied with worldly knowledge. Yet, this remains a cycle of birth, aging, sickness, and death—in the end, it is all nothing left. You must clearly understand that this is the result of causes planted in the past, and now the retribution is manifesting.

Now that you have understood this, you must chant the name of Namo Amituofo and vow to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

A Sanctuary of Grace and Awakening

Being busy and being fulfilled—this is the portrait of the fourfold assembly at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Goombungee, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia, where Namo Amituofo resides. With food, clothing, and shelter provided, this is a peaceful, harmonious, and pure land. Inviting spirits to hear the Dharma, dissolving karma, and engaging in dedicated practice—this is the grace of the Buddha in this Buddha-land.

In the midst of busyness, keep a heart of gratitude. Offer this body to follow Namo Amituofo. Whatever you can do, do it quickly and do it with joy. Do not waste this temporary body in this Buddha-land; dissolve karma and cultivate merit at every moment.

The Radiance of Selfless Service

Spend your time in fulfillment by listening to the sutras and hearing the Dharma, allowing the sound of the Dharma to enter the hearts of all beings. When beings hear the Dharma, their hearts become calm. They become willing to be invited to hear the teachings and to resolve conflicts, thereby dissolving the suffering and grievances of past lives.

In these days of being busy and fulfilled, every second and every instant is dedicated to others, not for oneself. No-self means having no selfishness. When there is no-self, karmic creditors cannot find you, and this is the perfect opportunity for practice. Where there is a sense of self, there are obstacles everywhere. Every thought and intention becomes karma. You must be cautious and ensure that you do not violate the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way!

The True Essence of a Fulfilling Life

To be busy and fulfilled at Hsiang Kuang, keep the Buddha-name in your heart at all times to tame the various karmic connections within your body and mind. This is the way to save yourself and to save all beings. Together, we transform our ordinary, confused minds into the Buddha-heart. This is the true meaning of being busy and being fulfilled.

Namo Amituofo