(This image was created by Lay Practitioner Hui Ying)
Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, recorded by Chief Writer Venerable HaiZe
16 June 2023
Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju teaches:
In your spiritual practice, you must follow the path of Living the Vows: The Direct Way to , for it is only through having true vows that you can manifest the power to succeed. Without a clear direction, your efforts may scatter like dust in the wind. However, when you anchor your life in a sincere vow, you create a foundation upon which your spiritual progress can truly flourish.
The Compass of the Heart
Think of your vows as a compass or a lighthouse. They provide the essential guidance for your life, much like a beacon guiding a ship through the dark, turbulent waters of the ocean. When you set your course with a vow, you are no longer drifting aimlessly through the cycle of being reincarnated.
To be effective, your vows must arise from your true, original nature. They must be sincere, born from the depths of your heart, free from hidden agendas or selfish desires. They must be altruistic, intended genuinely for the benefit of all beings, rather than for personal gain. Finally, they must be unwavering, directed straight toward the goal of liberation, without seeking any worldly reward or recognition.
The Unity of Self and Others
You must never forget that you are also one of the many beings in this world. When you work to help others achieve liberation, you are simultaneously achieving your own liberation. This is the profound truth of the path: by selflessly dedicating your life to the service of all beings, you become the greatest beneficiary of your own actions.
At the moment you commit yourself to the welfare of others, your heart becomes pure and untainted. This state of mind is the key to unlocking your hidden potential. Those who can truly generate the heart to save all beings possess a unique fusion of two essential qualities: and Wisdom (Prajna). By choosing to let go of for the sake of others, you transcend the narrow boundaries of the ego.
The Courage to Act
It is not enough to simply speak of your vows or hold them quietly in your heart. You must embody them through your actions. When you encounter obstacles, you must face them with courage and break through them with persistence. This combination of courage and perseverance is what allows your vows to manifest their greatest power.
If you have vows but do not act upon them, your intentions are like bubbles rising to the surface of the water. They may appear firm and full of potential for a brief moment, yet they vanish without a trace at the slightest disturbance. When the vow and the power disappear, the bubble simply dissolves back into the vast ocean of karmic reincarnation. It is truly a great pity to let such potential fade away into nothingness.
The for Rebirth
To ensure your rebirth in the of Ultimate Bliss, you must rely on the three provisions: Faith, Vows, and Practice. These three are the pillars of your journey. As you cultivate these within yourself, you will find that they are not merely your own efforts; they are supported and amplified by the infinite Buddha's of .
By integrating these three elements into your daily life, you align yourself with the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. May you hold fast to your vows, act with unwavering courage, and find your way home to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
