Teachings on Self-Observation by Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju

The Practice of Constant Awareness

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

As members of the fourfold assembly, you must learn to practise self-observation with sincerity and diligence. What does it truly mean to observe oneself? It means to remain vigilantly aware of every thought and intention that arises, every move you make, and even the rhythm of your breathing. You must ensure that these processes occur in a state of natural flow, while remaining entirely clear and mindful of them at every moment.

Cultivating Stillness in Daily Life

When you are engaged in your daily activities, you must ask yourself: are you chanting the Buddha-name for your own benefit, or are you chanting for the sake of all beings? Who do you prioritise in your heart? Even when you are caught in the midst of a busy schedule, you must maintain a sense of order and purpose. If you can remain calm and organised, this is a sign that your practice has developed a foundation of meditative concentration. However, if you find that your busyness leads to chaos and confusion, it is a clear indication that you are agitated and lack the necessary stillness of mind.

Unmasking the Five Aggregates

At every moment, you must observe your own heart and mind. Ask yourself these essential questions to gauge your progress:

• Am I acting with genuine compassion, or am I being driven by selfishness?
• Is Wisdom in charge of my decisions, or am I being ruled by my emotions and feelings?
• Am I being foolish, or am I allowing my personal biases to cloud my judgement?
• Am I letting my feelings dictate my state of mind, leading to depression or a sense of being lost?
• Do I have a mind that discriminates between high and low, or do I see all things with equality?
• Is my personality dominating my actions, or am I putting my ego above the needs of others?

These points represent the various afflictions and obstacles brought about by the Five Aggregates (form, feeling, perception, impulse, consciousness).

The Refuge of the Buddha-Name

The moment you notice these afflictions arising, you must immediately raise the name of Namo Amituofo. Let the sound of the Buddha-name continue in an unbroken stream. Do not speak too much, for excessive talking only serves to express your feelings and attachments. It is far better to raise the Buddha-name instead.

By chanting, you will receive the Buddha’s blessings, which will help you eliminate your afflictions and dissolve the obstacles of karma. This is far more effective than using words to explain your state of mind. When you rely on words and dwell on your feelings, you are inadvertently stirring up your karmic creditors and inviting attached spirits to manifest and interfere with your practice. Therefore, I urge you to chant the Buddha-name. The Buddha’s blessings are available to you at all times. Through the practice of chanting, performing prostrations, and reciting the Sutras, you will find that your heart becomes stable, peaceful, and fully supported by the power of Namo Amituofo.

Namo Amituofo