Living the Vows: Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju
Third Session of the Thrice Yearning Ceremony, May 9, 2025
The Three Pillars of Spiritual Cultivation
In the practice of the school, the three essential provisions of Faith, Vows, and Practice are not merely the requirements for achieving rebirth in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. They are, in truth, the fundamental conditions for every step of progress in your spiritual cultivation. To begin, you must establish a firm foundation of faith in the Buddha. From this faith, you must then generate a sincere and earnest vow. Once this vow is set, you must proceed to put it into action, step by step, with unwavering diligence and sincerity.
The Vows of
Consider the journey of Dharmakara Bhikshu. He made the Forty-eight Great Vows, and through his commitment, every single one of those vows was fulfilled. When he successfully constructed the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, he simultaneously attained Buddhahood and became known as Namo Amituofo. This manifestation of Namo Amituofo serves as a beacon for all beings, leading us to follow in his footsteps and move forward according to our own vows. His life is the ultimate testament to the power of a vow that is perfectly aligned with the truth.
The Selfless Path of the
For a Bodhisattva, the path involves seeking the Buddha's way above while delivering sentient beings below. To achieve this, one must not only perfect the Six Perfections but also make a profound vow to realise one's true nature and attain Buddhahood. Furthermore, one must be able to act upon this vow to save others, for this is the very condition of becoming a Buddha. If your vow is strong, your path to Buddhahood will be successful. However, this vow must be made for the sake of all beings, not for yourself. It must never violate the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. If you can align your own aspirations with the Forty-eight Great Vows of Namo Amituofo, you will surely receive the support of the Buddha’s vow-power. You must practise this with your feet firmly on the ground, acting with a spirit of , for only then can you truly succeed.
A Sanctuary of Universal Equality
The -Nature Land at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Goombungee, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia, was established precisely because of the vow-power of Practitioner Su to save countless suffering beings. This Dharma-Nature Land serves a vital purpose. It does not only lead and guide spirits and demon crowds from all directions; it also encompasses the fourfold assembly of disciples who, within their own bodies, accept the resolution of conflicts and the of countless, uncountable beings. It is a spiritual kingdom of equality where there is no distinction between high or low spirits. Every single being receives the equal illumination of the Buddha-light and the energy contained within that light.
The Direct Path to
The ultimate goal of your practice is to achieve Awakening and realise your true nature. If the fourfold assembly of disciples wishes to attain this, you must quickly make your vows and live according to them. As stated in the Infinite Life Sutra (The Buddha Speaks the , Infinite Life, Adornment, Purity, Impartiality, and Sutra), you must "arouse the Bodhi mind and single-mindedly recite Namo Amituofo." This is the essential vow and practice for those of us on the Pure Land path. By keeping this focus, you will find the way to leave suffering behind and find true happiness, ultimately fulfilling your wish to be reborn in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.
Namo Amituofo
More from Teachings of Practitioner Xia Lian Ju
The Boundless Grace of the Buddha
Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju shares profound insights on the immeasurable grace of the Buddha, the manifestation of Bodhisattvas across the six realms, and the rare, magnificent opportunity for spiritual growth at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre.
The Radiance of the True Nature
Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju explains the profound nature of Buddha-light, how it purifies the soul, and how the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre serves as a beacon of hope for all beings.
Lay Down Your Baggage and Journey Home
A profound teaching on the soul's journey through the cycle of rebirth, the heavy burden of worldly attachments, and the compassionate call of Namo Amituofo to return to our true home in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.
Humbly Seeking Guidance: Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju
Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju offers profound guidance on the necessity of humility, repentance, and the unwavering practice of chanting Namo Amituofo to achieve liberation and rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
More by Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
The Redemption of a Hollywood Icon
A candid reflection from the spirit of Elizabeth Taylor, who shares her journey from the blinding lights of Hollywood to the serene, transformative teachings of the Buddha in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.
The King of Pop's Journey to the Western Pure Land
Michael Jackson shares his journey from the pressures of global fame to the peace of the Western Pure Land, revealing the truth behind his life and his ultimate deliverance.
A Voice from the Darkness: Helen Keller's Journey
Helen Keller, the renowned deaf-blind philanthropist, shares her journey from the darkness of the ghost realm to the light of the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, guided by the compassion of Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su.
An Interview with Albert Einstein (Theoretical physicist)
Albert Einstein, once considered the most brilliant mind in human history, reflects on his life, the nature of 'science' versus the Truth of the Dharma, and his existence in the Western Pure Land.
A President's Repentance: Ronald Reagan's Journey to the Pure Land
Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the United States, reflects on his life, his political career, and his profound journey from the depths of hell to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss through the compassion of Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su.
The Reflection of a Nation's Founder
This is a record of an interview with Kim Il Sung, the founder and former leader of North Korea, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life and the spiritual truths he has realised since his passing thirty-two years ago. Recorded by the chief writer, Venerable Fa Hui, on May 18, 2026.
About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library