The Dawn of Awakening: Teachings on the Light of the True Self

Recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

On the seventeenth of February, 2024, during the noon offering, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju provided the following teachings on the nature of light and awakening.

The Radiance of the Dawn

Dawn’s light, or the light of the breaking day, is a profound symbol of the awakening of our true self. When the sun rises, its light illuminates the entire world, yet the way we perceive this light varies greatly depending on our surroundings. The sun itself remains constant, but the scenery it reveals is shaped by the environment in which we stand.

Consider how the sunrise appears differently depending on your location:

• In a bustling city or a quiet country village, the light interacts with the architecture and the landscape in unique ways.High upon a mountain peak, the light is clear and unobstructed.On the vast plains, the light stretches across the horizon.Above the clouds or amidst a thick, white mist, the light is diffused and softened.Across the surface of the ocean, the light dances and reflects in shimmering patterns.

The appearance of the sunrise is determined by the refraction of light as it touches various objects. It depends on the density of the materials it encounters, the presence of thick fog, or the concentration of water molecules in the air. Just as these environmental factors dictate how the sunrise is perceived, our own spiritual environment determines how clearly our true self is revealed.

The Universal Nature of the True Self

Every human being possesses this original, true self. It is inherent in all of us, and in this respect, all Buddhas walk the same path. When a person realises their true nature, their inner light shines without obstruction. It radiates in all directions, illuminating the mountains, the rivers, and the entire physical world—wishing to be as free as the wind, mountains & rivers.

However, before one reaches this state of awakening, the light of the true self is often obscured. We are covered by layers of dust and karma, which manifest as different life experiences. Because of these layers, we may find ourselves in varying states of clarity:

• Sometimes, like sunlight filtering through microscopic dust in the air, we can see the light touching the horizon and all things on earth.At other times, like light trying to pass through the narrow gaps between tall buildings, we receive only a faint, flickering glow.In the darkest states, such as when we are trapped by the heavy karma of the Three Evil Realms, the light cannot penetrate at all. We see only darkness, as if we were buried deep beneath the earth, hidden from the warmth of the sun.

The Light at Hsiang Kuang

At Hsiang Kuang, the light that manifests at the break of dawn is pure and untainted. It is reminiscent of the Western Land of Dharma Nature, where golden light radiates in all directions. It is a space where the Buddha-heart is vast, capable of embracing all beings with infinite compassion.

Yet, we must be mindful of the challenges that arise. Often, the sky is filled with dark clouds representing the demon crowds. These forces may seek refuge, or they may attempt to cast spells to attack the body of Practitioner Su or the fourfold assembly of disciples. These attached spirits and karmic creditors create a sense of gloom, casting a shadow over the clarity of our practice.

The Path to Clarity

When such darkness arises, Practitioner Su utilises the Twelve Lights to perform Chao Du, guiding these suffering beings to the Western Land of Dharma Nature. Once this process of deliverance is complete, the dark clouds disperse, and the sky returns to its natural state of clear, bright blue.

We must ask ourselves: what kind of light are we cultivating? Are we allowing our true self to shine with the brilliance of the dawn, or are we letting the dust of our karma dim our vision? By diligently practising the teachings and maintaining our focus on Namo Amituofo, we can ensure that our inner light remains bright, guiding us and all beings toward the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Namo Amituofo