Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, recorded by Venerable HaiZe on March 19, 2022. In the world of darkness, beings are often left helpless and adrift. Even if one does not harbour specific thoughts of committing evil or causing harm, the heart remains murky and unclear. This state of confusion is a heavy burden that clouds our original nature, leaving us to wander without direction.
Beings who are forced to survive within this darkness must possess their own unique methods of existence. They have adapted to their environment through various means dictated by the laws of and cause and effect. These adaptations often manifest in the following ways:
The Echoes of Past Deeds
Some beings possess eyes that can see great distances even in the deepest gloom.
Others have developed an incredibly sensitive set of Six Roots to navigate their surroundings.
Many have adapted through the compensation of other , allowing them to survive despite the limitations of their physical forms.
Regardless of the specific path they take to survive, these methods are what allow them to endure within the darkness. For these beings, the dark days are not a choice; they are simply the only reality they know. For those accustomed to the shadows, the arrival of light is not a blessing. In fact, it can be perceived as a threat, leading to injury or even death. This reaction is not merely a physical response; it is a result of deep-seated habits formed over countless lifetimes. It is a clear demonstration of how different karmic causes inevitably lead to vastly different karmic results.
The Heart: The Sovereign of One’s Path
We must understand that our current state is a reflection of our past actions. When we are trapped in the cycle of being reincarnated, we are often blind to the causes that have placed us in such difficult circumstances. We continue to wander, driven by the momentum of our own past deeds. The state of your heart is the most critical factor in determining your future. It is the deciding element in whether you will continue to drift through the darkness of the cycle of reincarnation or ascend to the of Ultimate Bliss. You must learn to cultivate and adjust this heart of yours with great care.
If your heart remains dark, the confusion of your karma will manifest before you. This often leads to the following struggles: your physical body will suffer, as it is constantly subjected to the consequences of past actions; you will find yourself perpetually busy, struggling to survive within the midst of suffering; you will have no opportunity to understand the laws of karma and cause and effect; and you will be unable to resolve the conflict with your , causing this cycle of suffering to spread and continue without end.
The Luminous Path to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss
Conversely, if your heart is bright and clear, you will be able to distance yourself from the darkness. When you allow the light of your true nature to take charge, you will find that wherever you go, your presence brings clarity and to all beings. Light is not merely a visual phenomenon; it is the fundamental source of all energy. The more light you possess, the more abundant your energy becomes, and the more vibrant your life force grows.
This brilliance is what all beings truly seek, even if they do not yet realise it. The Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss is exactly this—a realm of infinite, pure, and eternal light. By chanting , you align your heart with this light, ensuring that you can leave suffering behind and find the happiness of the Western Pure Land. Namo Amituofo.
