The Essence of Awakening
Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju
Delivered during the Thrice Yearning Ceremony in Australia, 2019
The Profound Light of
Through the profound lens of Awakening, one comes to understand the true nature of all . Indeed, every aspect of the Dharma exists solely to lead the practitioner toward this ultimate realisation. To awaken is to perceive the truth in all things:
- Awakening to the heart and the Dharma: Understanding the source of our intentions and the teachings that guide us.
- Awakening to people and : Recognising the interconnectedness of all beings and the illusory nature of the ego.
- Awakening to emotion and love: Seeing these as transient states that bind us to the cycle of rebirth.
- Awakening to events and objects: Understanding that all external phenomena are impermanent.
- Awakening to the and : Recognising the sensory traps that cloud our original nature.
- Awakening to the cycle of rebirth and the manifestations of : Seeing clearly how our past actions shape our present reality.
The Illusory Veil and the Truth
When you awaken to the true face of suffering, you begin to distinguish between what is real and what is merely an illusory environment. You will see that all things are one, existing in a state of profound unity. Suffering arises from the heart, and from this, afflictions are born. When the force of karma matures, we find ourselves caught in the cycle of rebirth, drifting through the six realms.
The Journey Home Through Chanting
Chanting Namo Amituofo is, at its core, your own personal journey. It is a matter of returning to your original nature. If you can chant with such sincerity that your mind reaches a state of emptiness—where the ego no longer interferes—then karma will have no place to take root. In this state of purity, obstacles and difficulties naturally fall away.
When you reach the point of Awakening, you will realise that, in essence, all things are empty. An awakened being acts with and ease, dedicating their life to saving all suffering beings. This is the vow of the practitioner: to never abandon a single soul, ensuring that all may find their way back to the of Ultimate Bliss. This message was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.
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About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library