Teachings on Improving the First Taiwan Dharma Assembly

Reflections on the Inaugural Assembly

On the first day of February 2018, during the first session of the Thrice Yearning Ceremony, the disciple Ru Di humbly approached Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju to seek guidance regarding the first Dharma assembly held in Taiwan. She asked for compassionate instructions on any oversights or areas where the organisation could be improved to better serve the Dharma and all sentient beings.

Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju offered his compassionate teachings, noting that although the preparations were made in haste, the event concluded with a sense of completeness and success. While the blessings of the human world may not have been fully sufficient, the entire Dharma realm of emptiness was filled with joy. The news of the assembly spread far and wide, and many beings benefited from the merit generated during this time.

The Radiance of the Buddha

The atmosphere of the assembly was truly profound. Everywhere one looked, the golden light of the Buddha was present. Namo Amituofo stood at the forefront, his expression one of infinite compassion and his eyes filled with kindness, guiding all beings with his outstretched hands. The great Bodhisattvas of the pure ocean-like assembly were also present, standing faithfully by his side to support the proceedings.

Practical Steps for Future Growth

To ensure that future assemblies are even more effective, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju provided specific advice on how to improve our outreach and organisation:

• Establish a Clear Schedule: Since the Dharma assemblies are intended to be a year-long commitment, it is essential to create a comprehensive list of dates and publish them clearly on the website.
• Strengthen Promotion: Proactive communication is necessary to ensure that more people are aware of these opportunities to practise and receive blessings.
• Open the Doors of the Fragrant Light Precious Land: The Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre should be a welcoming space. By increasing the time for dedicated disciples to be in the spotlight, we can more effectively share the benefits of the Buddha’s teachings with the wider community.

The Priority of Personal Cultivation

Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju emphasised that the most important task at this moment is for the fourfold assembly of disciples to focus on their own self-cultivation. As we prepare for the upcoming journey to Hong Kong, we must ensure that our practice is steady and sincere.

Tuning the Body, Mind, and Spirit

To truly succeed in our mission, we must engage in the continuous process of refining our inner state:

• Tuning the Heart: Aligning our intentions with the spirit of Bodhicitta.
• Tuning the Nature: Returning to our original, pure nature through constant mindfulness.
• Tuning the Body: Maintaining a healthy and disciplined physical form to support our spiritual work.

If we do our utmost to uphold the path of the Dharma protectors, the Dragon and Heaven Dharma Protectors will always be by our side, offering their support. We must look ahead with confidence, walking firmly upon the broad, straight path of the Truth. As we take our first steps beyond our own borders, we do so with the full support of the Buddhas and the entire Dharma realm of emptiness.

This record of the teachings was written by the chief writer, the disciple Ru Di.

Namo Amituofo