Recorded and transcribed by ’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe. On the twenty-fourth of May, 2025, during the second session of the , Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju provided these essential teachings.
A human body is extremely difficult to obtain. Every single second of your time is profoundly precious. You should strive to maintain awareness at all times, ensuring that you are fully present in the current moment. But where does this awareness reside? It resides within your own sensitive and clear perception.
The Illusory Nature of the World
What must you be aware of? You must realise that this world, and all the people, objects, and environments you encounter, are entirely illusory. Do not cling to them, and do not mistake these fleeting appearances for the ultimate truth. If you hold onto them or treat them as permanent, you will inevitably suffer.
When your manifests, how should you face it? You must understand that the law of and the causes and effects is infallible. Every experience of suffering or happiness you encounter today is the result of causes you planted in the past. In this world, concepts such as good and evil, right and wrong, are all part of the play of karmic conditions and are merely illusory states. Do not be deceived by these illusions, for if you are, you will only create new karma.
Resolving Karma Through Diligent Practice
When karma manifests, you must learn to follow the conditions to resolve old karma without creating new disasters. You should sincerely invite Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su to assist you in resolving your grievances with the beings within your bodies. This will allow these beings to accept and find liberation.
Even if you are suffering from the consequences of your past karma, you must remain free from resentment and anger. You should accept the situation directly to exhaust your old karma. Furthermore, you must engage in diligent practice through:
Prostrations to the Buddha, which humble the ego and purify .
Chanting Namo Amituofo, which aligns your heart with the Buddha's light.
Reciting the Sutras, which deepens your understanding of the Truth.
If you create new karma while your old karma is manifesting, you are piling burden upon burden, and there will be no end to your suffering. Therefore, you must be extremely cautious with your Body, Speech, and Mind. Ensure that everything you do is rooted in Goodness rather than evil. You must be willing to change your personality traits so that you no longer attract the manifestation of old, negative karma.
Self-Reflection and the Path to Buddhahood
In every moment, you can practise self-reflection. Ask yourself: Are you being led into suffering by your , , , and ? Is your heart and your conduct in sync with the Buddha’s vow to save countless suffering beings? Are you truly in control of your own mind? Is your chanting of Namo Amituofo continuous?
Never forget to chant. Bring the Buddha-name to the forefront of your mind at all times, maintaining it 24/7 without interruption. Every thought should be of the Buddha; chanting is the cause, and becoming a Buddha is the fruit. If you notice that your chanting has been interrupted, you must immediately pick it up again. Keep the Buddha-name with you at all times to purify your intentions.
Be aware of the suffering of all beings, and remember that you are also one of them. If you still experience suffering, it is because your attachments are heavy. You must strive for purification, and the most effective way to do this is simply to chant Namo Amituofo. There is no past, and there is no future; there is only the present moment. You must chant one Buddha's name to the end.
