Tempered Through a Thousand Hammerings

Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju. Recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

First Session, 21 December 2024.

The Forge of Spiritual Practice

The term hammering refers to the act of striking with a hammer, while refining refers to the process of burning in fire. Just as iron must be hammered and forged a thousand times to be cast into strong steel, a person must undergo a thousand hammerings and a hundred refinements to become a person of true talent and spiritual capacity.

If you are a practitioner, you must be able to withstand these thousand hammerings. Do not fear the tests of demons or the various sufferings that arise in your life. By enduring these trials, you are tempered into a vessel of the Dharma, a dragon-elephant of the Buddha’s gate, and you will eventually see their true nature.

The Legacy of the Patriarchs

There is nothing in this world that is gained without effort. The records of the patriarchs and venerable masters who achieved success through fierce, diligent practice are too numerous to count. They serve as a beacon for us, the later students, to admire and emulate. Their lives demonstrate that the path to Awakening is paved with dedication and the willingness to transcend one's own limitations.

Standing Firm Like the Pine

Consider the pine and cypress trees that stand firm and tall amidst the high mountains and the bitter cold of winter. They command respect from all who see them. Similarly, when a person can persist in their vow to save beings even amidst the most difficult and arduous circumstances, they embody this same strength. If you have endured suffering and have learned to be grateful, you understand that nothing is easily obtained. You are then able to accept the training and tempering of life, which leads to spiritual success.

Those who possess compassion see the suffering of all beings. They vow to perfect themselves so that they may help others leave suffering behind and find true happiness.

The Path to Awakening

Students of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, please understand that those who are burdened by afflictions cannot see their true nature. If you wish to reach Awakening, you must first sweep away these afflictions. You must be able to withstand the thousand hammerings and the hundred refinements. Only then can you complete the great work of seeing their true nature.

The Inconceivable Power of the Buddha-name

The name of Namo Amituofo is the concentration of all the inconceivable merits and virtues of Amitabha Buddha, as well as the power of the Forty-eight Great Vows. You must truly apply your heart and effort to your daily practice:

• Chant Buddha's name with sincerity and focus.
• Performing prostrations to humble the ego.
• Recite the Sutras to align your mind with the Buddha's wisdom.
• Change personality traits to remove the obstacles of the Five Poisons.

When self-power arises in this way, you will surely receive the Buddha's blessing. It is just like being tempered through a thousand hammerings; you will become a great vessel, reach Awakening, and see their true nature.

Namo Amituofo.