Persisting on the Path to Awakening

Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, recorded by Venerable HaiZe on the twenty-ninth of October, 2021.

The Foundation of True Practice

To engage in genuine practice, you must be willing to overcome and sever the various habits of the self, personal ego, and selfishness that cloud your true nature. This involves a deep examination of your worldly mental notes, your daily behaviours, and the various afflictions that arise from your habitual ways of thinking. By strictly observing the various precepts, you begin to nourish your compassion, Wisdom, and mind-capacity. Your ultimate goal in this life must be to realise your true nature and to save the world and save all beings.

The Discipline of the Heart

Precepts are not mere restrictions imposed upon you; rather, they are compassionate tools designed to assist the practitioner in their journey. They guide us to live by two fundamental principles:

• Refrain from all evil: Do not allow yourself to engage in any action that causes harm.
• Practise all goodness: Actively seek to perform deeds that benefit others and the world.

It is not enough to simply avoid evil when it manifests before you. You must cultivate a state of mind where you can prevent evil from arising in the first place. This proactive approach to purity is essential for the practitioner.

Growing the Roots of Goodness

To grow roots of goodness and achieve the fruit of Bodhi is the highest form of discipline. You must practise this diligently, day after day, until these virtues become an inseparable part of your inner reflection and your very being. This is how one transforms the hearts and actions.

The Power of Unwavering Persistence

Before one reaches the state of an awakened being, one must persist in these hearts and actions until the very end. You must continue this practice without interruption, regardless of the challenges you face. This steadfast commitment is the fundamental condition for achieving success in your spiritual journey. By maintaining this consistency, you ensure that your practice remains a living, breathing part of your life, leading you steadily toward the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Namo Amituofo