The Essence of Monastic Life
Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju
The Sacred Vow of the Monastic Path
The preciousness of monastic life lies in the diligent practice and the continuous process of purification. One does not choose this path for personal gain, fame, or worldly comfort. Instead, a monastic lives solely to become an awakened being, to recover our original innate abilities, and to save all beings so that they may leave suffering behind and be reborn in the of Ultimate Bliss. This life is dedicated to the noble work of saving the world, propagating the , and ensuring the transmission of the Pure Land lineage.
One might ask, who exactly are these beings that we vow to save? The scope of this responsibility is vast and encompasses everything within and around us:
The Boundless Circle of All Beings
- The internal world:
- Our own body contains over fifty trillion cells, and our internal organs are all living beings that require our care.The karmic connections:
- Our parents and teachers from countless past lifetimes, our , and any spirits residing within us through spiritual attachment are all beings.The present life:
- Our parents in this lifetime and our family members are beings.The spiritual community:
- Our fellow practitioners and the entire community of monastics are beings.The unseen realms:
- All visible and invisible spaces are filled with beings.The natural world: Every creature, every manifestation of life upon this earth, is a being.
These beings and I are one. I am merely one among them. Therefore, my life is lived for the sake of all beings, and I have chosen the monastic path specifically to help them leave suffering behind and be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
The Radiance of the Awakened Spirit
In this monastic life, the physical body is nurtured and maintained for the sake of all beings, while the spirit is elevated in its sensitivity, awareness, and quality. By walking in accordance with the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way—without selfishness or bias—one attains the state of an awakened being. When this state is reached, can remain free from the ravages of ageing and illness, and the spirit becomes immortal, ensuring rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This serves as the finest testimony and demonstration of the Buddha’s teachings: Faith, Understanding, Practice, and Realisation, as well as the Pure Land path of Faith, Vows, and Practice.
A Life Measured by Compassionate Service
Monastic life is not merely about passing the days in a state of aimlessness or inactivity. It is not measured by what one does for oneself, but by how much one serves all beings. It requires the courage to witness the suffering of others without fear, and the determination to rescue them from their hardships rather than turning away in fear. The true value of a monastic life is found in the extent to which one fulfils the purpose of living in this world. Only when one lives with such profound purpose does the length of one's life truly hold meaning.
Recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.
More from Teachings of Practitioner Xia Lian Ju
The Boundless Grace of the Buddha
Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju shares profound insights on the immeasurable grace of the Buddha, the manifestation of Bodhisattvas across the six realms, and the rare, magnificent opportunity for spiritual growth at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre.
The Radiance of the True Nature
Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju explains the profound nature of Buddha-light, how it purifies the soul, and how the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre serves as a beacon of hope for all beings.
Lay Down Your Baggage and Journey Home
A profound teaching on the soul's journey through the cycle of rebirth, the heavy burden of worldly attachments, and the compassionate call of Namo Amituofo to return to our true home in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.
Humbly Seeking Guidance: Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju
Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju offers profound guidance on the necessity of humility, repentance, and the unwavering practice of chanting Namo Amituofo to achieve liberation and rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
More by Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
The Redemption of a Hollywood Icon
A candid reflection from the spirit of Elizabeth Taylor, who shares her journey from the blinding lights of Hollywood to the serene, transformative teachings of the Buddha in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.
The King of Pop's Journey to the Western Pure Land
Michael Jackson shares his journey from the pressures of global fame to the peace of the Western Pure Land, revealing the truth behind his life and his ultimate deliverance.
A Voice from the Darkness: Helen Keller's Journey
Helen Keller, the renowned deaf-blind philanthropist, shares her journey from the darkness of the ghost realm to the light of the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, guided by the compassion of Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su.
An Interview with Albert Einstein (Theoretical physicist)
Albert Einstein, once considered the most brilliant mind in human history, reflects on his life, the nature of 'science' versus the Truth of the Dharma, and his existence in the Western Pure Land.
A President's Repentance: Ronald Reagan's Journey to the Pure Land
Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the United States, reflects on his life, his political career, and his profound journey from the depths of hell to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss through the compassion of Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su.
The Reflection of a Nation's Founder
This is a record of an interview with Kim Il Sung, the founder and former leader of North Korea, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life and the spiritual truths he has realised since his passing thirty-two years ago. Recorded by the chief writer, Venerable Fa Hui, on May 18, 2026.
About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library