The Essential Virtue of Listening

Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju. Recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

22 November 2025

Whether one is pursuing worldly knowledge or the path of the Dharma, the ability to listen is a fundamental requirement for achieving success in learning and practice. When you truly listen, you open your heart to the wisdom that guides your journey toward awakening.

The Path Through Obstacles

During the process of learning, it is inevitable that you will encounter obstacles or experience interference in your practice. However, if you are willing to listen, you can receive the necessary guidance to face and overcome these challenges. These moments of difficulty, when navigated with the right guidance, transform into valuable experiences that strengthen your resolve. They become a positive force in your practice, eventually allowing you to attain the same level of achievement as those who have guided you.

The Power of Obedience and Focus

Listening is a profound tool that allows you to avoid repeating the same mistakes. By heeding the wisdom provided, you reduce the unnecessary expenditure of your physical strength, mental energy, and precious time. This allows you to redirect your full attention toward the diligent practice of purification. When your mind is no longer scattered by the consequences of past errors, you can focus entirely on the path ahead.

The Sanctuary of Hsiang Kuang

At the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Goombungee, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia—a place where Namo Amituofo is residing—this is a sacred space where the Dharma flourishes. If the fourfold assembly of disciples can truly listen to the teachings of Namo Amituofo, the guidance of the Teacher, and the instructions of Practitioner Su, your practice will surely achieve success.

The Great Vow of Deliverance

Changing your personality traits is a shared task for all practitioners. Only when you truly change your ways can your practice make genuine progress. For those who have made the vow to join the Buddha in the mission to save all boundless suffering sentient beings, you are supported by your own efforts, the Buddha's blessings, and the watchful care of the Dragon and Heaven Dharma Protectors. Through this support, you can realise one's true nature and attain Buddhahood, just as the Buddha, the Teacher, and Practitioner Su have done.

The first to be saved through this process are the countless beings connected to the fourfold assembly of disciples. This includes the countless cells within our own bodies, our parents and teachers from countless past lifetimes, our karmic creditors, our family members and relatives, attached spirits, and demon crowds. Beyond receiving Chao Du, these beings are also given the precious opportunity to practise alongside the fourfold assembly of disciples, to realise one's true nature and attain Buddhahood. Listening is the essential condition for anyone who wishes to achieve success in their practice. The fourfold assembly of disciples at Hsiang Kuang must act accordingly.

Namo Amituofo