Teachings on Body and Mind Softness by Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju

The Essence of Softness in the Pure Land

In the sacred text of The Infinite Sutra (The Buddha Speaks the Mahayana, Infinite Life, Adornment, Purity, Impartiality, and Enlightenment Sutra), specifically within the nineteenth chapter regarding the abundance of blessings, we find a beautiful description of the beings residing in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. It is written that they see forms and smell fragrances, taking the Dharma as their nourishment. Their physical strength grows, yet they are free from the impurities of the body. Most importantly, their bodies and minds are described as being soft and supple. This state of softness is the natural manifestation of a body and mind that have attained absolute purity.

Softness as a Sign of Spiritual Achievement

For those of us currently practising in the worldly realm, the state of body and mind softness carries a profound meaning. It indicates that a practitioner has achieved a high level of spiritual success and that their body and mind are in a state of joyful harmony. When we speak of this softness, we are referring to a state that permeates every aspect of one's being:

• Physical Softness: This manifests in one's movements, which become as light and fluid as the wind. It extends throughout the entire body, including the internal organs, the cells, and even the skeletal structure formed by the four elements.
• Biological Harmony: The practitioner experiences excellent circulation of bodily fluids and blood, smooth and rhythmic breathing, and a perfectly balanced ability to regulate body temperature.

The Cultivation of a Soft Heart

Beyond the physical, the softness of the heart is a quality possessed by those who have cultivated deep compassion and wisdom. It is a state that dwells in gentleness and sincerity. A person with a soft heart perceives the suffering of all beings and is moved by a sincere desire to alleviate that pain and bestow true happiness upon them. Their heart remains steady and unmoved by external circumstances. They possess the ability to transform their environment through the power of their own heart, rather than being swayed or controlled by the chaotic conditions of the world. This state of body and mind softness is an essential condition for those who have attained true meditative concentration and spiritual success.

The Compassionate Sacrifice of Practitioner Su

The Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Goombungee, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia, is a place where Namo Amituofo is truly residing. Here, Practitioner Su has made a great and solemn vow to follow Namo Amituofo in the work of saving countless suffering beings. Through the continuous blessings of the Buddha, Practitioner Su has already saved an immeasurable number of beings and demon crowds. Because these demon crowds are filled with fear, they have often resorted to using magic to launch attacks against Practitioner Su, targeting specific areas of the body:

• The head and face
• The eyes
• The throat
• The chest
• The back

Practitioner Su willingly bears this suffering on behalf of all beings. As one who has realised their true nature, Practitioner Su accepts these attacks without a single thought of resentment or regret. Instead, with boundless compassion, Practitioner Su guides these attacking demon crowds, ancient demons, and old demons into the Western Land of Dharma Nature. Through this act of supreme mercy, they are liberated from the Demon Realm and receive salvation. Even now, the work of saving beings and demon crowds continues without pause. This is the true manifestation of those who have realised their true nature, whose hearts are so soft and compassionate that they can transform the environment without ever being turned by it.

Namo Amituofo