Teachings on True Clarity from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju

The Essence of Being Awake

During the Second Session of the Thrice Yearning Ceremony, we are invited to contemplate the nature of our own consciousness. Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju poses a series of vital questions to all practitioners:

• Who is the one who is truly awake and clear-minded?
• Who is the one still lost in the fog of ignorance and confusion?
• Who is the one truly overcoming the adversities of life?

These questions are not merely rhetorical; they are a mirror held up to our daily existence. We must ask ourselves: is it our true self that is in control, or are we being influenced by our karmic creditors and attached spirits? When we allow these external forces to dictate our lives, we lose the clarity required to walk the path of the Buddha.

The Burden of Karmic Creditors

If one allows their karmic creditors to take the lead, how can one possibly remain awake? How can one hope to realise their true nature and become an awakened being? When we are under the influence of these karmic debts, we often find ourselves trapped in a cycle of unwholesome actions and thoughts. This state of being is a form of spiritual slumber, where we are not truly the masters of our own minds.

We must recognise the signs of this confusion in our daily lives:

• Engaging in actions that we know are not in accordance with the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way.
• Allowing our minds to dwell on thoughts that lead us away from purity.
• Speaking words that are unhelpful, unkind, or unnecessary.

These are the hallmarks of a mind that has not yet awakened. To be truly awake is to be free from these patterns, allowing our original nature to shine through without the interference of past karmic entanglements.

The Practice of Clarity

How do we cultivate this state of clarity? The answer lies in simplicity and direct action. When you know what must be done, do it immediately. Do not allow your mind to wander into endless cycles of hesitation, doubt, or overthinking. By simplifying our actions, we reduce the space for confusion to take root.

Furthermore, we must learn the value of silence. Speak less, and when possible, observe silence. By curbing our speech, we conserve our energy and prevent the unnecessary agitation of our minds. Only those who are truly awake and clear-minded can realise their true nature and achieve the state of an awakened being.

Faith and True Practice

We invite you to pause and reflect deeply. Evaluate your own state of mind at this very moment. Are you truly awake? If you are, you will not harbour doubts regarding the teachings of the Buddha or the guidance provided by Practitioner Su. You will not find yourself trapped in the cycle of wanting to change but failing to do so. Instead, you will listen with a sincere heart and truly put these teachings into practice. True practice is not about intellectual understanding; it is about listening to the truth and acting upon it with unwavering devotion.

Namo Amituofo

This message was recorded and transcribed by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe.