Everything is Illusory: Teachings on the True Self

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

During the third session of the Thrice Yearning Ceremony held on the tenth of March, 2024, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju offered these profound teachings to the assembly.

The Fleeting Nature of the Illusory Body

All things in this world are illusory. The physical body we possess is false; it is merely an illusory body, a temporary vessel that we use during this lifetime. When our lifespan comes to an end and the body decays, the spirit leaves the body, and we must let go of this illusory body entirely.

Once the spirit has departed, where does it go? Its destination is determined by the laws of karma and cause and effect, based on the actions we performed while inhabiting that body. If we have lingering attachments, we will be drawn toward the objects of our final thoughts at the moment of death.

The Wandering Spirit and the Cycle of Rebirth

If one falls into the underworld, one will face judgment by the King of Hell and be forced to cycle through the six realms of existence according to one's karma. Alternatively, if one’s good karma manifests, one may be reborn into the heavenly realms to enjoy temporary blessings. However, once those blessings are exhausted, one must again face the consequences of one's past actions.

Everything we experience is illusory. Even the cycle of rebirth within the six realms of existence is nothing more than an illusion. Only our true self is real. We must engage in True Cultivation, using this illusory body as a tool to rediscover our true self. This is the most important task of our human life; everything else is merely a passing dream.

The Path of True Cultivation

Even the process of using this illusory body to seek the truth is, in itself, part of the illusion. However, you must not be deceived by these illusory environments and forget your ultimate goal of finding the truth. If you lose sight of this, you will drift far away from your true self. All illusory matters can be let go of.

If an action is related to your practice and the search for the truth, then it should be done. Even if the act of helping others reach an awakened being state is also illusory, it is still a task that must be performed. Serving the masses and assisting other beings in rediscovering their true self is a noble duty that you should undertake.

Within the bodhimanda, which is like the moon reflected in water, and within the monastic community, you must engage in diligent practice. By doing so, you will eventually reach the state of an awakened being, see the truth, and save beings. This is the only reality that matters.

Namo Amituofo