Recorded and transcribed by ’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.
On the thirty-first of January, 2026, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju provided these essential teachings on the nature of purity and clarity.
The Essence of Mirror-like Clarity
To be luminous and clear as a mirror is to possess a brilliance that is perfectly transparent, much like a polished mirror that reflects the world without distortion or obstruction. When we speak of this state, we are describing a profound condition of the heart and mind. It is the natural state of the Buddha or , the patriarchs and venerable masters, and all those who have realised their true nature. Their hearts are not clouded by the dust of worldly attachments; they are as clear as a mirror, reflecting the truth of the universe exactly as it is.
The Purity of the Awakened Eye
Consider the eyes of a newborn infant. They are clear, untainted, and free from the complex discriminations of 'you,' 'me,' or 'others.' This is the mirror-like quality of the eyes. In the sutras, the eyes of the Buddha are described as being deep blue and perfectly clear, reflecting the vastness of the . When one reaches this level of , the eyes no longer perceive the world through the lens of personal preference or bias. They simply see, and in that seeing, there is only purity.
The Transformative Process of Practice
For us, as practitioners, the journey of practice is essentially a process of washing away the filth and dust that have accumulated over countless lifetimes. It is a gradual, yet persistent, purification of our Body-Mind-Spirit. As we deepen our practice, our hearts begin to transition from a state of being clouded by worldly defilements to a state of bright purity. Eventually, we enter the state of being luminous and clear as a mirror.
This transformation is clearly visible in how we perceive the world: at the beginning, we often see only the faults in others, focusing on what is broken or wrong. As we progress, we begin to see the good, learning to appreciate the inherent potential in all beings. Finally, we reach the state of the mirror-like eye, where we see with total clarity, free from the dualistic traps of good and bad. This shift is a definitive sign that your wisdom and spirit are ascending to a higher plane.
The Environment of the Western Land
In the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, this quality of being luminous and clear as a mirror is not merely an internal state; it is the very environment itself. The sutras tell us that the Buddha-land is vast, magnificent, and pure, with everything shining like a mirror. From the ground beneath one's feet to the palaces, towers, flowing pools, and jewelled trees in the sky, every single object in that land is composed of infinite precious fragrances. More importantly, everything is luminous and clear as a mirror, reflecting the light of the ten directions.
The beings of the Western Land also possess hearts that are luminous and clear as a mirror, entirely free from any stain of attachment. This is the true nature of the pure Buddha-land.
The Path to Mirror-like Purity
How can we attain this state? The answer lies in the practice of chanting Namo Amituofo all the way. Through every single recitation of the Buddha-name, your entire body and all your cells are cleansed and purified. By remaining steadfast in this practice, you will eventually realise the same luminous, mirror-like Body-Mind-Spirit as the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and ancestral masters. This is the very moment of Awakening, the time when the light of your heart shines without end, illuminating the entire universe.
