Growth and Development: Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju

Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

On the twenty-fourth of May, 2024, during the midday offering, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju provided these profound insights on the nature of our spiritual journey.

The Inner Path of Growth

What does it truly mean to grow? Growth is the elevation of one's Body-Mind-Spirit. It is a journey that unfolds from within, where one's inner state rises to higher levels of clarity and purity. Development, on the other hand, is the natural outward expansion of one's influence, built upon the solid foundation of internal progress. In the practice of the Pure Land, these two processes are deeply interconnected.

As you diligently practise purification, you will reach stages where your innate abilities naturally manifest. This is the essence of growth—a natural phenomenon that cannot be forced by willpower nor purchased with material wealth. Practice is a deeply personal matter; you must undertake it yourself, and the fruits of that labour are yours alone to realise.

The Natural Expansion of Wisdom

On the Pure Land path, your journey follows a clear trajectory: first, you focus on internal growth until you see your true nature and achieve the state of an awakened being. Once you have attained this inner stability, you gain the capacity to save others. This leads to the development of your work in saving beings, moving from helping those you encounter by chance to actively engaging in the work of saving all suffering beings.

Whether you are helping beings as you encounter them or actively seeking to save them, the core of your practice remains the same. You must chant Namo Amituofo 24/7, ensuring that not a single moment is wasted. In your active and persistent practice, you must dedicate your efforts to the benefit of all beings, doing your absolute best in every situation.

The Responsibility of the Awakened

Those who have realised their true nature possess a heart that remains unmoved by external circumstances. Because their minds are still, the external world transforms according to their state of being. Their natural abilities manifest effortlessly as they strive to help others, always acting in accordance with the conditions they encounter.

Before you have reached the state of an awakened being, you must focus your energy on your own growth. During this phase, you should prioritise the following: elevating your Body-Mind-Spirit through consistent, daily practice; relying on the power of Namo Amituofo to save yourself while allowing the Buddha to save you; and diligently working to dissolve your karma, reduce your transgressions, and perform Chao Du to help the karmic creditors before you.

Preparing for the Great Work

You must strive to be active and persistent, never retreating from your path until you have seen your true self. Only when you have reached this level of attainment will you possess the true capacity to save the world and help infinite beings. Only then can we truly speak of development in the grandest sense. May you remain steadfast in your devotion, always keeping the name of Namo Amituofo in your heart as you walk this sacred path.

Namo Amituofo