Clearing the Clouds of Confusion: Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju

The Veil of Misunderstanding

When you are misunderstood or slandered, and controversy arises, you may eventually see the truth. When the clouds of confusion finally lift, one often feels a profound sense of regret. Why did I allow my ego, my views, my thoughts, my reasoning, and my endless cycle of speculation to persist? All of these are merely forms of mental pollution.

From the very moment that every thought and intention arises, you have already created negative karma. This attracts karmic creditors to manifest before you and invites spiritual attachment, which acts as a barrier, preventing you from seeing the truth.

The Illusion of Worldly Attachments

There is no need to cling to worldly matters. When you encounter positive actions that benefit the masses, simply proceed with them directly and follow the Causal Conditions as they unfold. Beings in this world are subject to the operations of karma, leading to various encounters and experiences.

Everything is marked by impermanence; we are merely moving through an illusion. Causal Conditions arise, and when they cease, they vanish. Therefore, why should you hold onto anything?

The Unceasing Stream of the Buddha-name

You must hold firmly to the Buddha-name. Chanting then becomes a continuous, flowing stream that never stops, which allows you to let go of your attachments. The arising of the Buddha-name comes from within yourself, not from others; it is your own affair and has nothing to do with anyone else.

Therefore, those who can take charge of their own practice will rely on their own strength. In the process of chanting, they receive the Buddha's blessings. This forms a union of self-power and the Buddha's blessings, allowing for a swift achievement.

The Radiant Path to True Nature

When the clouds of confusion clear, you are able to follow the Causal Conditions and progress naturally. Through diligent practice, you receive the Buddha's blessings and see the truth. If you can move through this process without letting the clouds of confusion obstruct your path, and continue to move forward directly, you are truly a wise person.

The clouds of confusion will eventually disperse. The earth and the people who were once obscured by them will be bathed in the sun's light and see the brightness. For the diligent practitioner, they are already in the union of self-power and the Buddha's blessings. They are not hindered by the clouds of confusion and move straight ahead, fulfilling their vow to see their true nature.

Namo Amituofo

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