External Movement, Internal Stillness: The True Essence of Practice

The Foundation of True Practice

Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe. On the third of October, 2025, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju offered this essential guidance on the nature of our spiritual work.

When we speak of 'external movement and internal stillness,' we are describing the very core of a practitioner's life. The 'external' refers to the physical body, which must engage with the world, while the 'internal' refers to the heart, which must remain unmoved by the chaos around it. To have the body in motion while the heart remains perfectly still—this is the true skill of a practitioner.

The Compassionate Vow to Save All Beings

Why must we strive for this state? It is because we are moved by deep compassion for the suffering of all beings. Before one has successfully transformed their karma and realised their true nature, one must make a firm vow to achieve personal accomplishment so that they may save countless suffering beings. This is why we must engage in diligent practice with unceasing effort.

We must recognise that we are never truly alone. Within our own bodies, there are countless beings waiting to be saved:

• The myriad cells within our internal organs.
• Our karmic creditors who have followed us through lifetimes.
• Attached spirits seeking liberation.
• Even the demon crowds that may influence our thoughts.

These are all part of the countless suffering beings that we have vowed to save. When a practitioner finally transforms their karma and reaches the state of an awakened being, it is precisely the moment when these beings within our bodies are also liberated.

Achieving Buddha-Recitation Samadhi

For those whose practice of chanting Namo Amituofo has become powerful, the Buddha-name is never far from the heart. They dwell within the Buddha-name at all times, never letting a single moment pass in vain. Through the process of purification, and then more purification, and by constantly cultivating Goodness, one can develop deep meditative concentration. This is how one attains the Buddha-Recitation Samadhi.

Maintaining Right View in the Age of Decline

Those who have realised their true nature possess a heart that is not swayed by the changing conditions of people, events, or environments. This ability to maintain external movement and internal stillness is a vital condition for saving beings. In this age of the Dharma’s decline, it is not easy for beings to hear the True Teachings, nor is it easy to develop the necessary skills in practice. Therefore, you must remember that diligent practice is an absolute necessity.

Especially when you are faced with the problems of the masses or the complexities of daily life, you must maintain Right Knowledge, Right View, Right Thought, and Right Action. By understanding the importance of purifying the body, heart, and spirit, and by putting this into actual practice, you will not be led astray or interfered with by the beings around you. This state of external movement and internal stillness is the true skill of meditative concentration; it is the inner cultivation that defines a genuine practitioner. Namo Amituofo.