The Essence of Compassion
Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju
First Session of the Thrice Yearning Ceremony, November 17, 2019
The Ripple of the Heart
Whenever the heart fluctuates, follows in its wake. Suffering is deeply embedded within these fluctuations, yet most beings remain unaware that they are suffering. They circle endlessly in this sea of pain, lacking a true foundation, and their hearts remain restless and unsettled. You must realise that you need to leave suffering behind and resolve not to enter the cycle of rebirth ever again.
is a state that transcends gain and loss. It is the joyful expression of the Buddha-heart in action. To have a compassionate heart is to pull others out of their suffering, performing these acts without any sense of attachment or self-importance. When your heart is filled with compassion, you bring peace to all beings, offering them happiness without making any discriminations. Recognise that this human life is illusory, and be deeply grateful that you have encountered the presence of the Buddha.
The True Nature of Compassion
Through diligent practice that never ceases, suffering will naturally fall away. Walk the path of compassion step by step, ensuring that not a single moment passes without this intention. You may ask, how can one truly practise compassion in this world?
- Knowing the suffering of all beings trapped in the ocean of the cycle of rebirth, and diligently seeking the to break through all obstacles, is compassion.
- Achieving the state of an awakened being and spiritual achievements, and then working to save beings so they may leave suffering behind and reach rebirth in the , is Great Compassion.
- Tolerating , Speech, and Mind of others, and responding to them with gentle and compassionate words, is compassion.
Practising Compassion in Daily Life
Even if someone glares at you with anger or shouts harsh words that fill your ears, remaining gentle and keeping your heart as peaceful as it has always been is compassion. When you encounter those who suffer in body, mind, or illness, introducing them to the Western Pure Land and Namo Amituofo so that they may find relief is compassion.
Performing for so they may reach rebirth in the Western Pure Land and avoid entering the great ocean of the cycle of rebirth is also compassion. To selflessly dedicate your body and mind to the service of the world, benefiting yourself, others, and all beings in the heavens and on earth, is the ultimate expression of compassion. Everywhere becomes as clear as a cloudless sky, and compassion sprinkles sweet dew upon the earth, resolving all troubles and clearing the way for the journey to the Western Pure Land.
These teachings were 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