Fearlessness on the Path to Awakening

The Nature of True Fearlessness

On this day of the Thrice Yearning Ceremony, we are blessed with the profound wisdom of Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju. He teaches us that Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and those who have realised their true nature possess a deep understanding of the suffering of all beings. Because they understand this suffering, they are able to resolve it. They work to save beings without any sense of fear. They are not afraid of the disturbances caused by demon crowds, nor are they shaken when negative forces attempt to attack their bodies or cause them physical pain. This is because their hearts are rooted in fearlessness. Their actions naturally manifest this courage, for they have transcended all terror and dread.

This fearlessness arises because all forms of suffering have been resolved and all delusions have been clarified. Their hearts are bright and clear, free from confusion or doubt. They have achieved a state where the principles of the Dharma and the phenomena of the world are in perfect harmony, without any obstruction. They clearly understand the laws of karma and cause and effect. Because they do not create negative causes, they do not suffer negative consequences. They know how to align their hearts and actions with the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. By never deviating from this path, they attain a state of fearless freedom.

The Roots of Confusion and Fear

If a practitioner has not yet realised their true nature, they cannot fully perceive the true reality of all phenomena, nor can they fully grasp the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. Consequently, they remain unable to see the deep suffering that stems from negative causes and negative consequences. They may only have a partial or distorted understanding. They are often obstructed by confusion, the weight of their own karma, the influence of karmic creditors, or the interference of demon crowds. As a result, their hearts and actions become lost in confusion.

When we lack the light of the True Teachings, we may fall into several traps: we may follow false teachings or misguided practices that prevent the True Teachings from entering our hearts; we may drift further and further away from the supreme path of the One Vehicle to Buddhahood and the Western Pure Land; or, in the worst cases, we may even fall into the demon path, slandering the True Teachings and creating the karma that leads to the hells.

Ordinary people feel fear because their hearts have no true anchor. They have not yet understood the true reality of all phenomena, the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. Because they do not understand the laws of karma and cause and effect, they remain controlled by their past karma and their karmic creditors. They act according to their habits, and thus, they find it difficult to escape the six realms of rebirth.

The Diligent Path to Liberation

Even if one wishes to find the Truth, they may fail to find it if they lack a good Dharma affinity or the guidance of noble people. They may end up entering into false paths and misguided practices. Even if they engage in practice, they may fail to attain the liberation and relief from suffering that the True Teachings offer. They may spend their entire lives in practice, yet remain unable to transform their karma or find the opportunity to realise their true nature. This is why the Pure Land path is the supreme path to Buddhahood.

Through the Pure Land path, one can cultivate the Four Immeasurables: Loving-kindness, Compassion, Joy, and Equanimity. By upholding the Precepts, one attains meditative concentration, and through concentration, Wisdom manifests. This allows the practitioner to engage in the Six Paramitas at all times. If one does not do this, it indicates that the heart is still filled with the ego, with selfishness, and with impurities that have not yet been cleansed. It may also mean that one is only seeking personal liberation, failing to act with the selfless, altruistic heart required to save all beings.

If you wish to realise your true nature and achieve Buddhahood, you must quickly adjust your heart and your actions. You must be active and persistent in removing defilements and attaining purity. Only then will you have the opportunity to attain Awakening and realise your true nature.

The Sacred Space of Hsiang Kuang

We are incredibly fortunate to be here at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. This is a place where Namo Amituofo truly abides in his Universal Buddha form. It is a place of teaching guided by Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju and Practitioner Su. It is a place protected by Skanda Bodhisattva, Sangharama Bodhisattva, and the Dragon and Heaven Dharma Protectors. In our lectures and Dharma talks, we often mention that there is no past and no future; there is only the present moment, and in that moment, we must chant Namo Amituofo all the way.

This means that no matter what you are doing in the present moment, you should always have the Buddha in your heart. You must never forget the Buddha. This practice is designed to elevate the spiritual quality of the fourfold assembly of disciples. It allows your heart and actions to be in sync with the Buddha-heart, thereby providing you with the opportunity to realise your true nature. This is a rare and precious spiritual connection; you must cherish it deeply.

Namo Amituofo