Suddenly Enlightened: The True Value of Human Life

Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Shi Haize.

June 12, 2022.

The True Purpose of Our Existence

What does it mean to be suddenly enlightened? What is the true nature of this profound awakening that we seek? When we consider the value of a human life, we must realise that our existence is not meant to be spent merely drifting through the endless cycle of karma and reincarnation. We are not here to engage in constant competition, struggle, or the pursuit of fleeting worldly gains.

Instead, we have been granted the precious human body for a higher purpose: to engage in diligent practice. This is our opportunity to rediscover the Truth that we have lost for so long. When we finally realise our true nature, we experience a sudden, brilliant awakening. It is like the light of the sun breaking through thick clouds, allowing us to reclaim our original, natural, and serene face. We return to our inherent, pure, and boundless potential.

Breaking Through the Fog of Delusion

For far too long, our hearts have been shrouded in darkness, unable to see the light of the sun. We have spent our days trapped in the cycle of comparison, calculating our gains and losses, and obsessing over our status in relation to others. This constant mental agitation keeps us in a state of perpetual confusion.

However, when we hear the sacred name of Namo Amituofo, a path opens before us. When we make the sincere vow to seek rebirth in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss and begin to chant the name of Namo Amituofo with a focused, uninterrupted heart, we experience a sudden, profound clarity. The fog of delusion that has clouded our minds for lifetimes begins to dissipate instantly, and our hearts are filled with immense Dharma joy.

Facing the Inevitability of Impermanence

Life is often marked by the suffering of birth, ageing, sickness, and death. When these trials manifest, we are forced to confront the reality of our mortality. We eventually taste the bitterness of the moment when our breath stops and our life comes to an end. At that critical juncture, the spirit may feel lost, not knowing where to go, and the world can seem like a place of profound sorrow and uncertainty.

During such times, our Body-Mind-Spirit suffers deeply, and we naturally yearn for a place of true peace and security. It is in this moment of deep reflection that we must turn our attention to the supreme beauty and magnificence of the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.

The Supreme Refuge of the Western Pure Land

When you truly understand the supreme, magnificent nature of the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, your heart will naturally open. You will find yourself suddenly enlightened, filled with a deep, unwavering desire to chant Namo Amituofo and journey toward that pure realm. In this life, you will finally find true peace and lasting security. Namo Amituofo.