Reflections on This Lifetime

Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, recorded by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe.

The Nature of Our Journey

How are you spending this lifetime? Every individual possesses a unique physical form and a distinct path through this world. Some of you walk with your feet firmly planted on the ground, engaging in diligent practice with honesty and sincerity. Others move with extreme caution, planning every step to avoid potential pitfalls. Or perhaps you are simply drifting through life, changing your direction whenever the wind blows, without a clear destination in mind.

Regardless of which path you choose, these are all worldly activities. If you do not awaken, you will spend lifetime after lifetime in a state of confusion. You will remain busy and exhausted, trapped in the endless cycle of birth, aging, sickness, death, only to repeat the same patterns again and again.

Facing the Tests of Practice

In this lifetime, you will inevitably face many tests in your practice. When these challenges arise, you must move forward directly without retreating. If you follow the Buddha and walk the path with a firm and determined heart, you will find the strength to overcome any obstacle.

To truly commit to the path, one must be willing to let go of the home and abandon worldly desires to enter the monastic life or dedicate oneself fully to the Dharma. You must ask yourself: Where does your faith lie? Where are your vows? You must have genuine practice to achieve the ultimate result.

The Path to True Liberation

We seek the Truth and strive to see our true nature. We do this to resolve the suffering of birth, aging, sickness, death. Our goal is not only to save ourselves but to help countless other beings reach rebirth in the Western Pure Land. Regardless of your specific circumstances, you must engage in diligent practice to find clarity and order in your life. As a disciple of the Buddha, you must never forget your practice.

Namo Amituofo