Do Not Let the Buddha's Words Pass You By

Recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Shi Haize, on the eighth of October, 2021, these teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju serve as a vital reminder for all practitioners.

The Priceless Value of the Buddha's Teachings

The words of Namo Amituofo are more precious than ten thousand pieces of gold. You must not let these teachings simply pass by your ears as if they were nothing. When you hear the Dharma, you must take it to heart, change your ways, and engage in diligent practice. When the beings within your body are truly convinced and at peace, you can invite them to listen to the Dharma. This is the only way to break through your current obstacles and move forward on the path.

The words of Practitioner Su are like the finest nectar, a spiritual refreshment that washes away all the dust of worldly attachments. You must have faith in these words. Do not let them pass by; instead, hear them, act upon them immediately, and you will surely reap the benefits.

Caring for the Beings Within

Everything you do must be for the sake of all beings, especially the beings residing within your own body. This is your primary responsibility. You must remain calm and keep your heart as still as water, without any ripples of agitation. Do not disturb the beings within you; instead, ensure they are able to find peace and tranquillity. If these beings manifest their presence because they suffer greatly, you will feel that suffering in your own body and mind. Why would you choose to endure such unnecessary pain?

The Path of Selflessness

We are told to give rise to all roots of goodness and achieve the fruit of Bodhi. But where do these roots of goodness reside? How does the fruit of Bodhi manifest? Everything is for the Dharma, and the Dharma must be passed down through the generations. Everything must be based on the principle of no-self and selflessness; only then can you truly receive the heart-to-heart transmission of the Dharma.

If you cling to the concept of 'I'—my body, my feelings, my perceptions—then you will find it difficult to understand the truth. When you are trapped by the ego, you cannot be the master of your own life. You must ask yourself: at this very moment, am I the one in control, or are the karmic creditors and beings within me in control? If everything is constantly changing and unstable, then suffering will continue to ripple outward without end. This is the very appearance of being reincarnated.

Namo Amituofo.