Returning to the Right Path: Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju

Recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

In the journey of spiritual practice, there are many matters that remain beyond our current reach or understanding. We often encounter situations that test our resolve and clarity of mind. This is precisely why the Precepts and guidelines exist. They are established with the hope of minimising the obstacles and problems that arise during our practice, providing a protective boundary for our cultivation.

The Necessity of the Precepts

However, practitioners often find themselves hindered by deep-seated ego-attachment, rigid personal views, and ingrained personality traits. Because of these internal barriers, they fail to uphold the Precepts. Consequently, they commit various unwholesome acts, which in turn attract the manifestation of karma. When we allow our ego to dictate our actions, we stray from the path of wisdom and create the very conditions that lead to suffering.

The Peril of Losing Self-Control

Once this negative karma manifests, the practitioner becomes vulnerable to the influence of external forces. They may find themselves under the control of:

• Karmic creditors: Those from our past who seek balance for previous harms.
• Attached spirits: Beings that reside within our energy field, influencing our thoughts and actions.
• Demon crowds: Negative influences that thrive on our confusion and lack of discipline.

When one is controlled by these forces, it becomes difficult to govern one's own mind. The Precepts and guidelines lose their power to restrain us because we have already surrendered our autonomy. We allow our ego-attachment, personal views, and stubborn personality traits to push us toward the hells. We end up suffering the consequences of our actions, facing the pain of illness, the fear of death, and the terrifying moment when the elements separate at the end of life.

A Call to Return to the Right Path

If you realise that you are currently caught in such a state, or that you have strayed onto a wrong path, please return to the Right Way immediately. At Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Goombungee, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia, this is a matter of the utmost urgency. Namo Amituofo, our compassionate Father, along with our Teacher and Practitioner Su, have frequently spoken of the dangers facing the children of the Buddha. If you have deviated from the path, you must turn back now.

Transforming the Self for True Progress

If you can clearly understand this, you must make a firm, painful decision to change your ways and transform your personality. Only then will your practice make significant progress. As a practitioner, you must be able to:

• Recognise your past mistakes and improper views.
• Acknowledge the unwholesome behaviours that have hindered your growth.
• Address your personal habits and personality traits that conflict with the Dharma.
• Align your life with the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way.

If you remain unable to adjust, transform, or change, you will inevitably commit unwholesome acts and attract the manifestation of karma, leading to endless suffering. I urge those who have strayed to return to the Right Way quickly. By doing so, you can avoid the retribution of the hells and prevent your spirit from enduring extreme suffering. Whenever you feel sensations in your body, or when your Feelings, Perceptions, Mental Formations, and Consciousness are stirred, know that you are creating karmic causes. You must be vigilant at all times. Namo Amituofo.