Do What Is Right, Straight Ahead

The Path of Unwavering Righteousness

Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju offers this essential guidance: when you know what is right, you must simply do it, straight ahead. Do not allow hesitation, doubt, or the complexities of the ego to cloud your path. When your intention is aligned with the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way, the most direct way forward is to act with a sincere and unwavering heart.

The Sacred Influence of the Centre

The Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is not merely a physical location on Earth; its significance is known throughout the vastness of the Dharma Realm. Because of this, the influence of our actions here extends far beyond our immediate surroundings or our individual lives. We are operating within a space of profound spiritual resonance. Therefore, the fourfold assembly of disciples must understand the gravity of their roles within this environment.

The Magnification of Karma

Within this sacred space, the speed at which we accumulate karma is greatly accelerated. Even the smallest act of goodness, when performed here, yields immense and auspicious results. Conversely, even a minor act of negativity can lead to heavy consequences. We have seen the cautionary examples of several disciples who lost their way. While the public may only see the external appearances of our actions, the true measure of our practice lies in our every thought and intention. Every single thought is a seed of karma. If your thoughts are rooted in kindness, you will reap the fruits of goodness; if your thoughts are rooted in negativity, you will inevitably face the consequences of that negativity. The laws of karma and cause and effect are absolute and precise; they never fail.

The Responsibility to the Unseen World

You must understand that the Dharma affinity of this temple reaches into the very depths of the Dharma Realm. Your actions here do not only affect your own karmic creditors, your ancestors, or the teachers and parents of your past lives. The entire Dharma Realm is watching. If we fail to uphold the right path, we fail those who have not yet been saved. These beings, including the karmic creditors and ancestors of all beings throughout the vastness of the Dharma Realm, are acutely aware of our conduct. They have their own complex emotions and needs; some come to seek the balance of debts, while others come to repay a kindness. When we act improperly, we complicate these delicate karmic relationships.

A Rare Opportunity for Liberation

Fourfold assembly of disciples, do you realise that the place where you stand today is truly extraordinary? It is a rare blessing to be able to enter this temple. It is a sign of great fortune and blessing. Here, with the compassionate assistance of Namo Amituofo, the teachers, Practitioner Su, and the Dragon and Heaven Dharma Protectors, you are given the unique opportunity to dissolve your disasters and remove your obstacles. This is the path to leave the cycle of reincarnation behind, to enter the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, and to be forever free from all suffering. However, if you exhaust this good fortune and lose this rare opportunity, you will remain bound by the laws of karma and cause and effect, drifting wherever your karma leads you. The choice of which path to take lies entirely within your own heart.

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

Namo Amituofo