The Constant Vigilance of Spiritual Practice

The Natural Cycle of Hibernation

Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju. Chief writer: Venerable HaiZe.

April 30, 2022.

Many animals and plants, in order to preserve their vital energy and continue their lives, enter a state of hibernation when winter arrives. During this time, they remain in a state of deep, motionless sleep. It is only when spring returns and the environmental temperature rises that their bodies sense the change, causing them to awaken and begin their search for sustenance once more. This natural cycle allows the lives of animals and plants to maintain a state of continuous renewal, ensuring that they can coexist and thrive within their environment.

The Human Path and Spiritual Vigilance

In the human world, under normal situations, we do not require such hibernation. More importantly, in the realm of spiritual practice, there is no such thing as a time for hibernation. True practice requires that you remain in a state of keen, sensitive awareness at all times and in all places. Whether there is movement in the external world or movement within your own mind, you must remain fully conscious, clear, and bright. This is because the very purpose of your practice is to help all beings leave suffering behind and find happiness. Since you are also one of these beings, and the suffering of all beings never ceases, how could you possibly allow yourself a moment of rest?

The Danger of Spiritual Slumber

If your practice does not move forward, or worse, if it begins to regress, you are essentially falling into a deep, daily slumber from which it is difficult to wake. If you remain in this state of spiritual dormancy, how can you ever expect to make progress? How can you ever hope to reach the moment of being an awakened being? You must ask yourself these questions with sincerity and urgency. The path to Buddhahood is not a journey that can be taken while asleep; it requires the full, luminous presence of your original nature. Do not let the precious time of this life pass by in a state of unconsciousness. Instead, maintain your focus, keep your vows, and continue your practice with the same persistence that the universe shows in its own cycles of life and growth. Namo Amituofo.