Humbly Seeking Guidance: Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju

Recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

On the third of May, 2026, during the Thrice Yearning Ceremony held at Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju provided essential guidance on the importance of cultivating a humble heart when seeking the truth.

The Foundation of True Learning

Humbly seeking guidance is the fundamental attitude that every practitioner must possess when they set out to seek the Dharma. Without this humility, the heart remains closed, and the wisdom of the Buddha cannot penetrate the layers of our ego. Within the sacred space of the Western Land of Dharma Nature at Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, countless beings gather with the sincere wish to hear the teachings. They come with open hearts, eager to learn, and in doing so, they begin to understand the profound depth of the Buddha’s teachings and the inescapable laws of karma and cause and effect.

By acknowledging their past mistakes and repenting for the negative karma accumulated over countless lifetimes, these beings find the strength to dedicate themselves to the practice. They engage in the diligent chanting of Namo Amituofo and perform prostrations with a sincere heart, all with the singular, noble aspiration of achieving liberation and securing rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

The Art of Letting Go

To humbly seek guidance is to sincerely invite a teacher to provide direction. It requires you to be willing to set aside your own preconceived notions, your subjective opinions, and the rigid structures of your ego. You must ask only for the compassionate support of the teacher, seeking to understand how your current actions, speech, and thoughts can be refined to elevate the quality of your spirit.

You must be prepared to release the personality traits and the arrogance that have defined you for so long. Instead, focus your energy on the simple, direct path: chant Namo Amituofo all the way. Through this, you will find the purification you seek and receive the true, authentic teachings that lead to Awakening.

Resolving Karmic Obstacles

Do not allow the events of the past to become barriers that prevent you from moving forward. If you feel that you are being obstructed, you must turn to your karmic creditors with a heart of deep sincerity. Ask them to accept your repentance. Demonstrate the reality of your change by vowing to dedicate your life to the service of all beings, offering this deep, transformative commitment as a true act of repentance.

• Repentance as Action: It is not enough to simply say you are sorry; you must change your ways and commit to a life of virtue.
• Service to Others: By working to save others, you naturally dilute the power of your own past negative karma.
• The Power of Humility: When you humble yourself, you create the space for the Dharma to wash away the dust and grime that has accumulated in your heart.

The Path of Continuous Progress

When you have questions or find yourself in doubt, you must always be willing to humbly seek guidance. Whether you are speaking to a senior practitioner or a fellow student, treat everyone with respect, regardless of their age or status. This respect is a sign of a practitioner who is truly making progress. When you are busy working for the temple and for the benefit of all beings, you will naturally forget the small self, and your practice will flourish.

If you hear words of advice or gentle reminders, you should feel nothing but gratitude—and then, feel even more gratitude. If you are asked to reflect on your mistakes, do so with a humble heart, ready to learn and ready to improve. When you chant Namo Amituofo all the way, all things will naturally become clear. When you move from a state of questioning into a state of profound, wordless understanding, the light of your true nature will manifest.

Namo Amituofo