Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, recorded and transcribed by ’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.
On the twenty-first day of March, 2025, during the third session of the , Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju provided these essential teachings on the nature of Pure Goodness.
Defining the Purity of the Heart
What does it mean to be truly pure? It is to be bright, clean, and completely unstained by the dust of the world. What does it mean to be truly good? It is to be devoid of all evil, acting for the benefit of all beings with a heart that is entirely selfless. In this world, where good and evil are so intricately intertwined, people often find themselves unable to clearly discern whether their own thoughts and actions are truly good or evil.
Even when one attempts to walk the path of goodness, if one is constantly giving but still harbours a hidden, selfish desire to protect oneself, it becomes difficult to sustain that virtue. Without a selfless heart, the goodness is fragile and easily broken. Conversely, if one walks the path of evil and creates negative , and there is no true spiritual friend to offer guidance, one may continue to err. Even if one is told to listen and change one's ways, if one fails to do so, the cycle of creating evil continues. When the karmic consequences finally manifest, the suffering that follows is truly difficult to bear.
The True Meaning of Pure Goodness
What, then, is the definition of true goodness? It is a holistic way of living that permeates every aspect of your existence:
Keeping a good heart: Cultivating a mind of and sincerity.
Speaking good words: Using your speech to uplift, encourage, and spread the .
Doing good deeds: Acting in ways that alleviate the suffering of others.
Being a good person: Aligning your character with the virtues of the Buddha.
When you maintain the practice of chanting Namo Amituofo all the way, 24/7, this is what we call Pure Goodness. This practice serves to purify every cell in your body. As you chant, the beings within your body are also invited to chant along with you, leading to a profound state of collective purification. By doing this, you give rise to all and achieve the fruit of . To reach , to realise one's true nature and attain Buddhahood, is the ultimate expression of filial piety; it is the highest form of purity and goodness.
The Dangers of Negative States
When you are stained by evil, you fail to see the path of Pure Goodness. Instead, your heart becomes clouded, and you manifest negative states that distance you from your original nature:
Complaining: Focusing on dissatisfaction rather than gratitude.
Selfishness: Prioritising your own interests above the needs of others.
Ignorance: Failing to understand the laws of cause and effect.
Calculation and Comparison: Measuring your worth against others.
Jealousy: Resenting the success or happiness of others.
You must be extremely cautious. In every thought and intention, if you allow these negative states to arise, you are effectively inviting , attached spirits, and demon crowds to manifest before you. This happens because your own character has become in sync with the nature of these negative beings. When your mind is not pure, you create a resonance that attracts them.
Living in the Buddha-Name
Students of Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre, you must constantly reflect upon yourselves. Ask yourself: are you truly living within the Buddha-name at every moment? You must ensure that your entire being is immersed in the light of Namo Amituofo:
In your heart: Keep the Buddha present, never letting a single moment pass without Him.
In your eyes: See all beings as Buddhas, treating everyone with the utmost respect.
In your ears: Grasp the Buddha-name tightly, never letting it slip from your awareness.
In your mouth: Recite the name of Amitabha Buddha constantly; let your words emit golden light and manifest lotus flowers.
In your actions: Walk with the Buddha in every step, ensuring that your every movement is a way to save beings.
By living in this way, you will eventually rediscover the Buddha nature within you. Namo Amituofo.
