Contentment Brings Lasting Happiness
Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju
16 June 2019, Taipei Yingchuang Centre
The Greatest Happiness
No matter what environment you find yourself in, if you are a member of the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre, you are truly the most fortunate and joyful person in the world. This is not a superficial happiness, but a deep, spiritual contentment that arises from the clarity of the path we walk together. It is because you have chosen to follow the compassionate guidance of Namo Amituofo and work alongside our beloved Practitioner Su to save sentient beings and guide them toward rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
This path of collective practice is not merely a personal journey; it is a mission of universal . The merit and generated by this work are profound and far-reaching. In the sutras, it is said that the merit of such a mission is even greater than making offerings to all the Arhats and Pratyekabuddhas in the world. By dedicating your life to this cause, you are participating in a magnificent endeavour that transcends the ordinary.
The Merit of Universal Salvation
Through your dedicated practice, you provide your and the many sentient beings who are connected to you by karmic affinity a precious opportunity. You are helping them to establish a deep and lasting connection with the , release the burdens of their past suffering and grievances, and find the path to liberation in this life or the next. You are granting them the opportunity to chant Namo Amituofo and be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
This is the true meaning of contentment: knowing that you are using your life to help others leave suffering behind and find the ultimate happiness of the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
Preparing for the Dharma Assembly
My dear students, the seven days of this retreat have passed in the blink of an eye, and the eighth day—the day of our Dharma assembly—is about to commence. Can you feel the atmosphere? The sentient beings are already kneeling in reverence, waiting for the opportunity to be saved. Namo Amituofo has already arrived at the Dharma site, and all the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and the ancestral masters have graciously descended to preside over this gathering.
This is a moment of immense significance. You must all gather your body, mind, and spirit, and focus entirely on the present moment. Let every word of the sutra and every sound of the Buddha-name enter deeply into your heart and ears. As you chant, do so with the intention of guiding your karmic creditors and all sentient beings toward the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
Cherishing the Present Moment
This magnificent Dharma practice is happening right here, right now. It is a rare and precious opportunity that you must cherish with all your heart. Do not let this moment slip away in distraction or doubt. By maintaining a heart of contentment and a mind of unwavering focus, you align yourself with the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. This is the path to and Buddhahood. May you all hold fast to this practice and continue to walk the path of light, guided by the infinite compassion of Namo Amituofo.
Recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.
Namo Amituofo
More by Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
The Final Curtain Call of Chu Ke-liang
A candid reflection from the late Taiwanese entertainer Chu Ke-liang on his life, his career, the karmic weight of his influence, and his ultimate deliverance to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.
The Soul's True Equality: A Conversation with Mahatma Gandhi
This is a record of an interview with Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life and his journey to the Pure Land.
A Reflection from the Western Pure Land
This is a record of an interview with Zhao Puchu, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life in the 20th century. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa Hui, on April 18, 2026.
The Truth Behind My Rebirth: A Message from Liu Suqing
Liu Suqing, the elder sister of the renowned practitioner Liu Suyun, shares her harrowing journey through the spirit realms and her ultimate deliverance to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss through the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre.
The Burden of a Historical Name
This is a record of an interview with Lin Biao, who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life approximately 54 years ago. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa, on May 18, 2026.
The Poet’s Journey to the Western Pure Land
A reflection on the life, tragedy, and ultimate spiritual liberation of the ancient statesman Qu Yuan, who found peace through the teachings of Practitioner Su.
About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library