Maintaining Right Mindfulness
Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju
The Essence of Right
Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, recorded by Venerable HaiZe.
What does it truly mean to be 'Right'? To be right is to align your thoughts, words, and actions with the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. It is a state of being that remains in perfect harmony with these fundamental laws, never deviating or contradicting them.
Maintaining right mindfulness is the most essential task for any practitioner of the path. The six-character holy name—Namo Amituofo—is the embodiment of pure goodness and absolute purity. It is, in every sense, the highest form of right mindfulness. When you chant this name, you must ensure that each recitation follows the next without interruption. Do not allow any deluded or wandering thoughts to arise. This continuity is the most vital aspect of your daily practice. You must hold fast to this simple, effective method of chanting.
The Legacy of the Holy Name
In the simpler, more humble societies of the past, this method of chanting Namo Amituofo saved countless honest, obedient elders. This is why the Pure Land teachings have been passed down through generations by word of mouth. Many of the younger generation first encountered the holy name simply by hearing their elders chant it in their daily lives.
In doing so, the of the Buddha-name was planted deep within their storehouse . Later in life, when the conditions were right, they were able to encounter the Buddha’s teachings and be saved. This oral transmission has been the lifeblood of our tradition, ensuring that the light of the Buddha's reaches those who are ready to receive it.
Overcoming the Enemy Within
Today, however, the practitioner of the Pure Land path faces many difficulties. There are far too many external temptations, and our internal strength is often weak and easily shaken. This makes it difficult to maintain the chanting of the holy name; it is easily interrupted and hard to hold onto. In this struggle, you must realise that your greatest enemy is not the world around you, but yourself.
The Power of Meditative Concentration
The more meditative concentration you possess, the less you will be affected by internal or external changes. You will be able to maintain your original understanding and your ability to focus, regardless of the circumstances. The more you cultivate this, the more you will be able to chant Namo Amituofo without interruption. Therefore, you must make it your priority to cultivate your meditative concentration. By doing so, you will find that your practice becomes steady, your mind becomes clear, and you will be well-prepared for your eventual rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
Namo Amituofo
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About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library