The Fourth Vow: Repenting of Karmic Obstacles

The Fourth Vow of Samantabhadra is to repent of all karmic obstacles. During the Thrice Yearning Ceremony held in Australia on November 10, 2019, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju provided a vital teaching on how we must approach this practice to truly transform our lives.

The Endless Cycle of Confusion

Since beginningless time, we have been trapped in the darkness of confusion. Our actions—killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying, and the consumption of intoxicants—have created an endless stream of karmic consequences. The Five Poisons of Greed, Anger, Ignorance, Arrogance, and Doubt have no boundaries, clouding our original nature. We are constantly driven by the Five Desires: wealth, lust, fame, food, and sleep. How can our body, heart, and spirit ever find true peace in such a state? The answer lies in the Fourth Vow: repenting of our past spiritual obstacles.

The Concrete Path of Repentance

But what does it mean to repent in a concrete way? It is not merely a ritual; it is a commitment to change your ways. You must ensure that you do not create new karma. It is easy to speak of repentance, but it is difficult to put into practice. Your karmic creditors are always present, waiting for the opportunity to settle past debts. Often, we find ourselves repeating the same mistakes, falling back into old patterns of behaviour.

Facing the Reality of Karmic Creditors

When aging, sickness, and death manifest as a way to collect these debts, we suffer greatly. Do not waste your energy calculating whether you have gained or lost. Whether something is good or bad, gain or loss, these experiences only wound the heart. This world is an illusion; we must engage in True Cultivation to realise the truth. This is the path of wisdom.

Awakening to the Path of Buddhahood

Saving the world and rescuing beings is the central task of our practice. We rely on the compassion of the Tathagata to guide us. Be vigilant at all times, lest you fall into the fog of confusion. In every second, be clear and awake. When your spirit is pure and sensitive, your awareness will manifest. By realising your true nature, you can take charge of your life and finally achieve Buddhahood.

This teaching was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

Namo Amituofo