Opening the Heart: Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju
A Discourse from the Third Session of the Thrice Yearning Ceremony
The Barrier of
People in this world are often constrained by the concept of the self and by private, selfish desires. These attachments act as a heavy veil, covering the true heart and preventing it from opening fully. Because of this, the heart remains restricted, unable to express its inherent vastness. If you can remove the ego and selfishness, you will find that your heart begins to open. The space within the heart will expand significantly, allowing you to experience a profound sense of spaciousness and clarity that was previously hidden by your own attachments.
In your practice, if you can diligently purify the heart until it is free from even the slightest trace of pollution, you will realise your true nature. This is the ultimate goal that many practitioners seek. It is the path to and the way to return to your original, pure state.
The Endless Cycle of Samsara
Throughout countless lifetimes, this heart has followed the spirit through the endless cycle of rebirth. We have experienced birth, aging, sickness, and death, enduring immense pain and fleeting joys. In life after life, we have repeated these same dramas, caught in a loop of our own making. People are trapped within this cycle, often confused and unable to see the truth of their existence. Lacking proper education on the nature of reality, they commit acts that cause themselves to suffer or harm other beings. In reality, these harms eventually return to the self; this is the inevitable law of .
The Compassionate Sacrifice of Practitioner Su
Consider the demon crowds. Because Practitioner Su uses countless manifestations and the Twelve Lights to perform for these beings, they feel fear and launch magical attacks against Practitioner Su’s body, causing him to suffer. This is what it means to take on the suffering of beings. Yet, Practitioner Su does not retreat. Instead, he feels even greater for their suffering, even though they do not understand the pain they cause. He urges the demons to open their hearts and eyes to see the truth of their situation.
A Rare Opportunity for Salvation
Practitioner Su saves these demon crowds, guiding them into the Western Land of Nature. He stops their evil deeds and the resulting , allowing them to listen to the sutras and hear the Dharma in that place. The Western Land of Dharma Nature is a pure Buddha-land of transformation. Once the demon crowds enter, they shed their demonic forms and see the light. This is an opportunity that is difficult to encounter in millions of years. They should be grateful to Practitioner Su and immediately cease their attacks. The demon crowds must understand this truth and turn towards the light of Namo Amituofo.
Namo Amituofo
Recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe
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.
The Scientist's Awakening: An Interview with Albert Einstein
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