The Direction of True Practice: Teachings from Teacher Xia Lianju

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

On the twenty-first of February, 2025, during the first session of the Thrice Yearning Ceremony, Teacher Xia Lianju offered these essential teachings to the students of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre.

The Compass of the Soul: Defining Our True Direction

Students of Hsiang Kuang, have you clearly defined the direction of your practice? It is vital to reflect deeply upon your motivation. Are you engaging in this practice for the sake of all sentient beings, or are you doing so primarily for your own benefit? Perhaps you are seeking relief from the physical pain and suffering of illness, hoping that by inviting spirits to hear the Dharma, they might be liberated and your own health might improve. Or perhaps your goal is to chant the name of Namo Amituofo with the sincere vow to attain rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Some may aspire to practise until they realise their true nature and attain Buddhahood within this human world, ensuring they are never again subjected to the suffering of the cycle of rebirth, while simultaneously saving their immeasurable and boundless karmic connections.

The Boundless Scope of Our Vows

When we speak of saving beings, we are referring to a vast and inclusive scope. You must understand that this responsibility encompasses more than just those you encounter in your daily life. It includes:

• All sentient beings in the Dharma realm, regardless of whether you have a direct karmic connection with them.
• The sentient beings around you, both those with feelings and those without.
• The beings you have personally vowed to save throughout your past lives.
• The countless beings residing within your own body, including your karmic creditors, attached spirits, and demon crowds.
• Your parents, teachers, and family members from this current lifetime.

Regardless of which category these beings fall into, you must exert great effort and dedication. Only through such diligent practice can you achieve true purification and reach your spiritual goals.

The Pillars of Spiritual Achievement

Whether your practice is successful depends entirely upon your heart. It relies upon your sincerity, your reverence, and your willingness to follow the teachings. It requires you to listen, to change your personality traits, and to truly understand the preciousness of this human body. You must learn to see through and let go of the illusions of the physical form. Recognising the importance of True Cultivation and the necessity of realising one's true nature and attaining Buddhahood is the cornerstone of your progress. Once the direction of your practice is clearly established, you must move forward with unwavering focus.

Walking the Path with the Buddha’s Infinite Grace

At this stage, even if you encounter tests or difficult obstacles, you must face them with courage and overcome them. Here at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, Namo Amituofo, your teachers, and Practitioner Su are all here to assist you. Students of Hsiang Kuang, do not forget the Buddha, and do not forget to chant the name of Namo Amituofo. You must initiate the effort yourself and seek the Buddha's blessings. When your own efforts and the Buddha's power support one another, you will walk the path to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss alongside the Buddha. Furthermore, you must dedicate your entire life to spreading the Pure Land teachings wherever you can reach. Namo Amituofo.