Recorded and transcribed by ’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.
During the second session of the held on February 16, 2024, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju offered these essential teachings to all practitioners. He reminds us that the path to liberation is not merely a series of rituals, but a constant, conscious alignment of our entire being with the Truth.
The Foundation of Your Practice
In every action you take on the path of practice, you must pause and reflect deeply. Ask yourself these fundamental questions to ensure you are moving in the right direction:
Do you possess true faith in the Buddha, and do you have faith in your own original nature?Does your heart feel at peace, knowing your actions are justified and wholesome?Are you acting in a way that does not violate your own conscience or the ?Are you walking upon the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way?Are you following the guidance provided by the Buddha, your teachers, and Practitioner Su?
If your answer to every one of these questions is a resounding yes, then you may proceed with confidence. You must step firmly with every step you take, for each one is a building block in your journey toward the of Ultimate Bliss.
Walking the Righteous Path at Hsiang Kuang
At the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, where Namo Amituofo is residing here, the environment is perfectly suited for your growth. However, the responsibility for your progress remains entirely with you. Your physical actions, your spoken words, and even your most fleeting thoughts must be in complete harmony with the Buddha’s teachings.
When you know that a course of action is correct, you must carry it out directly and without hesitation. Do not be swayed by the opinions of others or the distractions of the world. If you begin to pick and choose which teachings to follow based on your own preferences or social pressures, you will lose the greatest benefit of this life.
The Struggle for Autonomy
Before one reaches the state of an awakened being, one is still a body governed by . If your words, actions, and thoughts are driven by the manifestation of past karma, you will find yourself controlled by , spiritual attachment, or demon crowds. In such a state, it is nearly impossible to be the master of your own mind.
During these moments of confusion, the guidance of the Buddha, your teachers, and Practitioner Su serves as a beacon of light. Their words are the lamp that illuminates the path forward, allowing you to walk upon the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way without veering into darkness or error. You are faced with a constant choice: will you listen to the voices of your karmic creditors, spiritual attachment, and demon crowds, or will you follow the wisdom of the Buddha and your teachers? I hope that all of you can discern the difference clearly.
Choosing Your Path
Consider the lotus flower. You may find yourself in the midst of the muddy waters of this world. You have two choices:
You can choose to be like the lotus, which grows in the mud but remains unstained, blooming with a fragrance that spreads far and wide.Or, you can allow yourself to be overwhelmed by the mud, becoming trapped within it until you are saturated with its impurities.
I sincerely hope that all of you will choose the path of wisdom. Here at Hsiang Kuang, you have the support and the environment to ensure that you can step firmly with every step. May you remain steadfast, pure, and dedicated to your practice until you reach the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
