Laying a Solid Foundation for Your Practice

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

The Architecture of the Spirit

To build a high-rise tower that stands tall and secure, one must first lay a deep and solid foundation. Only then can the structure withstand the immense weight and pressure of its own height. This principle is not only the secret to success in worldly endeavours; it is also the fundamental condition for those who wish to practise the Dharma and realise their true nature as an awakened being.

If you wish to achieve the ultimate goal of becoming a Buddha, you must first ask yourself: what is the true foundation of Buddhist practice? It rests upon two pillars: Faith in the Buddha, trusting in the infinite wisdom and compassion of Namo Amituofo; and Faith in oneself, recognising your own inherent potential to return to your original nature.

The Pillars of Our Faith

Consider the traditional stages of Buddhist education: right faith and right understanding in Buddhist education. Faith is the very foundation upon which everything else is built. Without it, you cannot enter into true understanding, nor can you engage in meaningful practice or attain the final realisation of the truth. Similarly, in the Pure Land path, we rely on the three provisions: Faith, Vows, and Practice. Faith is the primary provision; it is the gateway that leads to your Vows and your Practice. Without this initial spark of faith, the opportunity for rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss remains out of reach.

Think of faith as the three legs of a tripod. If one leg is missing, the tripod cannot stand. If you do not have faith in the Buddha, it becomes incredibly difficult to align your heart with the Buddha-heart. As ordinary people, our minds are often clouded by worldly habits and self-imposed limitations. If you do not trust in the Buddha’s guidance, you will find it nearly impossible to break through these barriers and achieve the Awakening you seek.

The Poison of Doubt

The wisdom of the Buddha is vast, deep, and difficult to fathom. If you lack faith, doubt will naturally arise. If you find the roots of doubt manifesting in your mind, you must pull them out immediately. If left unchecked, these roots will quickly grow, sprout branches, and bear bitter fruit. Doubt causes you to lose sight of the truth, leading to negative karma that harms both yourself and others.

Doubt is the greatest obstacle to your practice. It prevents the seeds of goodness from taking root in your heart. If you cannot even trust in the basic teachings, how can you possibly believe in the supreme Dharma of the Pure Land, which is the direct path to become a Buddha?

Standing Firm Against the Storm

To lay a solid foundation, you must ensure that your roots are anchored deeply into the soil of the Dharma. When the winds of adversity and the rains of hardship arrive, a tree with shallow roots will be easily uprooted and cast aside. However, a tree with deep, firm roots will remain standing, tall and unwavering, no matter how fierce the storm may be.

By cultivating this unshakable foundation, you ensure that your practice remains steady. You will be able to face the challenges of life with a calm and clear mind, always moving forward on the path to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Let your faith be your anchor, and let your practice be your strength.

Namo Amituofo