On the seventeenth of December, 2022, during the second session of the , Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju offered these vital teachings, recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe. These teachings, titled Questions of the Heart, serve as a beacon for all who seek to understand the nature of their existence and the path toward liberation.
Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju posed three essential questions that weigh heavily upon the hearts of many practitioners:
What is the ultimate Truth, and how can we resolve the grievances of our so that our hearts may finally find peace?
How can we transcend the suffering of birth, aging, sickness, and death to attain true and ultimate liberation?
How can we successfully fulfil our vow to be reborn in the of Ultimate Bliss?
Resolving the Grievances of the Heart
To answer the first question regarding the Truth and the resolution of grievances, we must look to the foundations of our practice. The Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way are not abstract concepts; they are the very fabric of our reality. They are found in the laws of and cause and effect, in the understanding that every action bears a consequence, and in the realisation of our true self / self-nature.
To find peace, one must actively engage in the following:
Listen to sutras and hear the : By immersing yourself in the teachings, you gain the wisdom necessary to navigate the complexities of life.
Draw close to true spiritual friends: Seek guidance from those who have already walked the path and can offer clarity when you are lost.
Repent and turn towards goodness: By acknowledging your past mistakes and sincerely repenting, you begin to resolve the deep-seated conflicts with your karmic creditors.
Cultivate and : Open your heart to others, expand your mind-capacity, and learn to let go of attachments.
Chant : Through single-minded devotion, you can soothe the hearts of your karmic creditors and bring stillness to your own mind.
Transcending the Cycle of Suffering
Regarding the second question on how to escape the cycle of birth, aging, sickness, and death, the answer lies in the diligent practice of seeking one's true self / self-nature. When you commit yourself to this path, you begin to reclaim autonomy over your body, mind, and spirit. You are no longer a slave to the inevitable decay of the physical form.
This is the path of the spirit that never dies. By making a firm vow to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, you step off the wheel of reincarnation. This is the ultimate liberation, a state where the spirit is finally free from the constraints of the six realms of rebirth. It is a journey of transformation, moving from confusion to , from wrong paths to the righteous path, and from impurity to purity.
The Sanctuary of Namo Amituofo
In response to the third question, we must recognise the unique environment provided by the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. Here, Namo Amituofo is residing. Under the guidance of Practitioner Su, who has realised his true nature, the Centre works tirelessly to save the world.
The work performed at the Centre is a testament to the power of the Buddha's compassion:
: Through the practice of spiritual deliverance, the Centre helps countless beings find their way to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
Resolution and invitation: By resolving the conflict and inviting spirits to listen to sutras and hear the Dharma, the Centre facilitates deep healing.
Body-Mind-Spirit therapy: This holistic approach addresses the root causes of suffering, helping practitioners alleviate the burdens of birth, aging, sickness, and death.
For those who are truly seeking the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way, who wish to realise their true self / self-nature, and who vow to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, this is your destination. Follow this path with sincerity, and you shall surely see your wishes fulfilled.
