Recorded and transcribed by ’s disciple, Venerable Fa Hui.
On the fifth of July, 2025, during the midday offering, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju provided these profound teachings on the nature of our mental state.
The Subtle Ripple of Thought
The fluctuations of the mind arise within the most subtle and microscopic moments of our existence. Most of us are entirely unaware of these ripples as they occur, yet they are the precursors to every action we take. If you can cultivate your awareness and sharpen your sensitivity, you may eventually reach a point where you can catch a thought the very moment it arises. If you are able to do this, you can stop the thought in its tracks before it gains momentum. By doing so, you prevent the corresponding from manifesting in your life.
The Karmic Weight of Our Intentions
We must understand that every fluctuation of the mind is an act of creating a cause. It is also the process of receiving the fruits of past karmic results. When your mind fluctuates, it acts as a beacon, attracting to manifest before you. If you find that your current circumstances do not seem to align with a specific karmic result, it is often because you have just planted a new negative cause through your current thoughts.
In Buddhism, we are taught that the mere arising of a thought is an act of creating karma. Because the fruits of good karma and negative karma are vastly different, you must be extremely cautious with your mental state. It is best to:
Think good thoughts
Speak good words
Perform good deeds
If you can ensure that every thought is rooted in goodness, then from the very beginning of the thought's inception, there is only virtue and no evil. This is the state where one can truly give rise to all and achieve the fruit of . This is the hallmark of a successful practice.
The Infinite of Namo Amituofo
This is why, in your daily practice, guarding your thoughts is of the utmost importance. Namo Amituofo possesses great compassion and wisdom. He knows that all beings have long been accustomed to the constant, restless movement of their minds. Because of this, He established the Forty-eight Great Vows. Through these vows, even if a being merely hears the name of Namo Amituofo, they can receive immense .
You must single-mindedly recite the name of the Buddha. As the Infinite Life Sutra (The Buddha Speaks the Mahayana, Infinite Life, Adornment, Purity, Impartiality, and Enlightenment Sutra) repeatedly emphasises, you must arouse the Bodhi mind and single-mindedly recite Namo Amituofo. By chanting with this specific intention, you will receive the support and empowerment of the Forty-eight Great Vows, allowing you to fulfil your deepest aspirations sooner than you might imagine.
Returning to the Pure Source
Within the sacred name of Namo Amituofo lies an energy that is perfectly pure and perfectly good. Whether you receive the full benefit of this energy depends entirely on whether you are chanting with a heart of utmost sincerity and earnestness. If you chant with such sincerity, you will undoubtedly receive the empowerment of Namo Amituofo’s energy.
Your goal is to dismantle the delusion, discrimination, and attachment that cloud your true nature. You must work to quiet the fluctuations of your mind until every thought is pure and every thought is good. Eventually, you may enter a state of no-mind and no-thought, where there is no selfishness, , and no trace of impure or unwholesome intentions remaining. In this state, you are truly in sync with the Buddha.
