Recorded and transcribed by ’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.
On the fifth of July, 2025, during the second session of the , Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju offered the following teachings on the nature of True Practice.
The Unveiling of the Eternal Truth
What, then, is the meaning of the word 'True'? It is that which is genuine and not false; it is that which is solid and substantial, not illusory or fleeting. True Practice, therefore, is to act in accordance with this Truth, rather than wandering within the realm of illusions. In this context, True Practice means to leave behind illusions during your spiritual journey, to seek the Truth, to rediscover your original true self, and ultimately, to engage in the work of saving the world and rescuing all beings.
from the Dream of Samsara
If you look out into the world, you will see that people are living amidst a torrent of material desires. They exist within the cycle of and the causes and effects of birth and death. They are busy and hurried, yet what they obtain are merely illusory fruits that lack any lasting substance. Because they do not understand the nature of reality, they remain trapped in the cycle of rebirth, turning endlessly without a moment of rest.
Most people do not know or understand that their true self exists. They do not realise that this true self is the original, authentic face that every person possesses. Instead, they mistake the false for the real. They believe that this physical body is who they are, and they assume that having , emotions, and experiencing birth, aging, sickness, and death are simply the necessary processes of life. They do not realise that if the true self is revealed, one will no longer be subject to aging or sickness. The spirit never dies, and one can be reborn in the of Ultimate Bliss.
Walking the Path of True Practice
What does it mean to engage in True Practice? It is a life dedicated to the following commitments:
Faithful adherence to the Infinite Life Sutra: One must believe in, accept, and practise the teachings of the Infinite Life Sutra (The Buddha Speaks the , Infinite Life, Adornment, Purity, Impartiality, and Sutra).
Aligning with the Forty-eight Great Vows: One must take the Forty-eight Great Vows of Namo Amituofo as one's own, striving to complete the Buddha's path as soon as possible.
Purifying , heart, and spirit: One must engage in diligent practice, seeking to purify the body, heart, and spirit to attain Awakening and rediscover one's true self.
Saving oneself and others: One must follow Namo Amituofo, the Teacher, and Practitioner Su to save oneself and all beings, helping them leave suffering behind and be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
Subduing demonic enemies: One must actively work to save beings, subdue demonic enemies, and distance oneself from fear, worry, and distress.
Teaching the Truth: One must give lectures to teach beings how to recognise the laws of and cause and effect, the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way, as well as the ultimate reality of all things, so that they may break through delusion and attain enlightenment.
Spreading the Pure Land teachings: One must promote the two-power method of the Pure Land school and the practice of chanting the Buddha's name. By introducing the masses to Namo Amituofo and the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, one expands this convenient and swift path to Buddhahood and rebirth in the Western Land.
