English

The Awakening of a New Life

Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, recorded by Venerable HaiZe.

August 12, 2022.

The Many Paths of Existence

Life manifests in countless forms. Whether one experiences what is considered a fortunate life or a difficult one, the journey is filled with the bittersweet flavours of existence. We encounter both satisfaction and disappointment, and sorrow. However, when you enter the Buddha’s gate, you are offered a profound opportunity to transform your perspective. If you can truly see through and let go of the past, you will find that the burdens of yesterday no longer hold power over you.

Nurturing the New Life

Once you release the attachments of the past, you will discover a new life beginning to sprout within you. Like a tender green leaf emerging from the soil, this new life has the potential to grow into a magnificent, sturdy tree. As it matures, it provides shade and nourishment for all creatures, helping them to leave suffering behind and find the cool, of the . This is the beauty of a life dedicated to the path of .

The Radiance of the Heart

More importantly, this new life allows you to emit the light of your heart. This light is the pure expression of Goodness and virtue. The more you purify your heart and cultivate this inherent Goodness, the closer you come to rediscovering your true self. Your true self is not something to be found outside; it is the luminous, unchanging essence that has always been within you, waiting to be revealed through your practice.

The Strength of Will

Ultimately, the mastery of this new life rests entirely in your own hands. Even when you encounter interference or obstacles on your path, you must remain steadfast. If your will is firm and you are accompanied by unwavering perseverance, you can follow the Buddha’s guidance through any challenge. You will be able to overcome the most difficult barriers and successfully return to your true self.

The Danger of Fragility

The only true danger is a lack of ambition or a lack of perseverance. If you are like a blade of grass that bends and falls with every passing breeze, how can you ever hope to achieve the ultimate goal? You must cultivate the strength to stand tall, regardless of the winds of circumstance. By staying committed to your practice, you will surely find the path to liberation.