Recorded and transcribed by ’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe, these teachings were delivered by Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju on September 23, 2023, during the second session of the .
The Sacred Path of the Universal Principle
The Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way are not merely abstract concepts; they possess clear, observable tracks and methods for us to follow. The teachings provided by the Buddha and the guidance offered by Practitioner Su are entirely aligned with the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. They serve as a vital reminder to the fourfold assembly of disciples regarding what must be done and what must be avoided.
When the teachings instruct you to refrain from certain thoughts, actions, or violations, you must immediately:
Cease those negative thoughts.
Refrain from those harmful actions.
Stop violating the and the Right Way.
Conversely, when you are told that a path is correct and shown how to walk it, you must commit yourself to that path. By following these instructions, which clearly outline the necessary methods and principles, you will be able to:
Avoid planting negative causes.
Prevent the ripening of evil consequences.
Avoid regression in your practice.
Cultivate the causes of purity and goodness.
Reap the fruits of purity and goodness, ensuring steady progress in your practice.
The Challenge of Listening and Transformation
If you truly listen and follow these instructions, it will greatly assist you in achieving success in your practice at an early stage. However, in reality, many practitioners find themselves in a difficult position. They may have the sincere desire to listen, but they find themselves unable to put the teachings into practice or unable to do so effectively. Consequently, they find themselves trapped in the same recurring difficulties time and time again.
If you can listen and improve, that is excellent. However, some do not listen and see no improvement; in fact, their suffering may even intensify and become more obvious. When you are suffering, if you can turn back in time, it is still possible to change and transform your situation. If you use this suffering as a warning to quickly change your ways, return to the right path, and move forward with renewed determination or even a deeper realization, then this suffering has served a positive purpose.
The Swiftness of Impermanence
What happens if the pace of your change is slower than the speed at which your body experiences aging, sickness, and death? Impermanence arrives with terrifying speed. If it causes an irreversible situation, your practice in this life will come to an abrupt end. While this is truly a great pity, it is fortunate that at Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre, one can receive the grace of Practitioner Su. Through the power of the , the spirit can be sent to the Western Land of Nature, which serves as proof that the spirit never dies.
The Western Land of Dharma Nature is a waystation for those who have achieved liberation from the cycle of birth and death, and it is a place from which one will eventually enter the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. The fourfold assembly has seen many such examples; this is something we have all witnessed and shared together.
Transforming Your Destiny
You must face your own problems actively and overcome them. Only by transforming your can you thoroughly change the destiny governed by the cycle of aging, sickness, and death. As the saying goes, "As the cause, so the fruit." The results you receive are entirely dependent on the good roots, , and Causal Conditions you have accumulated yourself. This is the law of cause and effect; there is no room for luck or shortcuts.
Therefore, you must diligently change your ways and transform your personality traits. This is the duty of every member of the fourfold assembly. Do not delay; act swiftly. Namo Amituofo.
