The Awakening of Spring

The Verdant Renewal of the Earth

On the 7th of July, 2019, during the Thrice Yearning Ceremony held in Yilan, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju offered these profound teachings on the theme of Spring. The bitter winter has passed, and the spirit of spring descends upon us. The warm sun illuminates the earth, bringing forth a new vitality. In the water-filled paddies, the rice seedlings shimmer with a lush, verdant green, while the branches of the trees reveal tender, budding life. The grass emerges from the earth to gaze upon the world, and the flowers wait in their buds, anticipating the moment of bloom.

The Awakening of the Heart

All of nature awaits the resounding clap of spring thunder, which brings the gentle spring rain to nourish the myriad things. Swallows return in succession to build their new nests, and people cast aside their heavy winter garments. As spring arrives, the Dharma must irrigate our hearts. In the Buddha-land, the presence of Amitabha remains constant and eternal. Wherever there is a connection by karmic affinity, there the Dharma shall go. We are not separate; we are all one body.

The Eternal Voyage of the Dharma

Together, let us proclaim the Buddha-name of Namo Amituofo to the ten directions. Let the sound of the Dharma resonate through the vast ocean of our hearts. The fragrance of the lotus is gentle and elegant, its virtue infinite. The Dharma boat sails on an endless voyage, and at every shore, we may dock and enter the Land of the Golden Lotus. This message was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.