Changing Personality: The Fundamental Path to Awakening

Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

15 October 2023

Under the radiant light of Namo Amituofo and with the compassionate assistance of the Dharma Body of Practitioner Su, we have witnessed many instances of spiritual resolution, the invitation of spirits, and the performance of Chao Du. Through these efforts, many beings have been helped, and the suffering of practitioners has been alleviated. However, we must understand that such relief is often merely treating the symptoms rather than the root cause.

Beyond Temporary Relief

Every event in our lives has a cause. If we do not address the fundamental source of our problems, the same situations will inevitably arise again. To truly resolve these issues, we must look inward. The root of all suffering lies within the heart. By putting in the work to transform our inner state, we apply the only true method for lasting healing.

Looking at the current situation of the students of Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, it is clear that our personality and our every thought and intention are the primary reasons for the manifestation of negative karma and the arrival of karmic creditors. Whether you are experiencing physical aging, pain, bodily distortion, or symptoms such as:

• Drowsiness during practice
• Entering other dimensions or spaces
• Slowed reactions and mental fog

These are all deeply connected to our personality traits and the quality of our thoughts. Therefore, transforming our thoughts and changing our personality is the most urgent task for every practitioner.

The Urgent Need for Self-Transformation

These two tasks—transforming our thoughts and changing our personality—are the very things that Practitioner Su constantly reminds the fourfold assembly of disciples during lectures and in daily life. It is essential that the fourfold assembly of disciples rises up with self-reliance and engages in diligent practice to change their personality.

Consider the following areas where we must apply this transformation:

• For those with greed: If your personality includes a tendency to hoard or crave wealth, you must realise that nothing can be taken with you at the end of life. Instead, practise Generosity (Giving) to cultivate blessings and merits, using this to counteract the poison of greed.
• For those with desire: If your personality is prone to craving emotional or physical intimacy, you must raise your awareness and counteract these thoughts as they arise. Tell yourself clearly: I am currently a practitioner, and I must uphold the Precepts. Do not allow yourself to be controlled by attached spirits or demon crowds. Do not become a puppet, for if you do, you will surely suffer the consequences of breaking the Precepts.

The Consequences of Stagnation

If one fails to change and continues to indulge in these negative patterns, the consequences are grave. In the lighter cases, one loses the ability to be the master of one's own mind, falling into states of drowsiness, entering other dimensions, feeling weak, becoming frail, aging prematurely, and suffering from illness. Most importantly, one's spiritual achievements will not only fail to grow but will actually regress.

In severe cases, one will face the retribution of the hells, such as the Copper Pillar Hell or the Iron Bed Hell. In such a state, one drifts further and further away from the goal of Awakening. How then can one ever hope to realise one's true nature?

A Call to Immediate Action

Changing your personality is a matter of self-rescue that is urgent and pressing. You must apply this to every aspect of your life:

• In your subtle thoughts: Do not let your personality dictate your inner world.
• In your speech and actions: Do not let your personality manifest in how you present yourself to the world.
• In your service to others: When interacting or working with the fourfold assembly, do not let your personality create friction.

When we allow our personality to take control, it causes our minds to fluctuate and ripple. This creates negative causes and binds us in negative karmic ties. For a practitioner, this is a profound injury to our spiritual path. You must change your personality immediately; do not delay!

Namo Amituofo