Recorded and transcribed by ’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.
On the twenty-fifth of January, 2026, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju offered these essential teachings on the nature of our existence and the importance of our conduct.
The Three Dimensions of Our Existence
If you wish to live in peace and harmony within this world, you must be mindful of the relationships that define your life. These connections are not limited to the people you meet daily; they extend far beyond the physical realm. To truly walk the path of the Buddha, you must cultivate awareness of three fundamental areas:
Human Relationships: How you interact with your family, friends, and society.
Relationships with Earthly Creatures: How you treat the animals and the natural world that share this planet with us.
Relationships with the Spiritual Realms: How you relate to the unseen beings that exist within the same space as us.
Although your physical eyes cannot perceive the spiritual realms, the beings residing there are very real. They exist within the same space as you, and their presence can have a tangible impact on your life, your thoughts, and your well-being.
The Cycle of Karmic Bonds
Between people, there exists a complex web of and the causes and effects. If we have not yet managed to transform , we remain beings governed by the weight of our past actions. Because we are caught in the cycle of impermanence, where everything is constantly arising and ceasing, we often find ourselves in a state of flux. We feel as though we have no control over our own lives, and it is from this lack of autonomy that suffering is born.
The Path to Stillness
If you wish to end this suffering, you must begin by putting in the work within your own heart. You must adjust your mind so that, regardless of how others treat you, you remain unmoved. When you can maintain this state of inner stability, you are no longer easily swayed by external circumstances.
A practitioner who achieves this state is one who is:
Diligent in practice: Constantly chanting Namo Amituofo to keep the mind focused.
Observing Discipline: Maintaining the to protect the mind from impurity.
Cultivating Concentration: Developing the meditative concentration necessary to see through the illusions of the world.
By maintaining this inner purification, peace, and tranquillity, your Wisdom will naturally begin to manifest. This is the ultimate purpose of your practice.
The Protective Power of Precepts, Concentration, and Wisdom
Meditative concentration is the key that allows you to stop the manifestation of negative karma. It acts as a shield, ensuring that your practice remains undisturbed by , attached spirits, or the interference of negative forces. With this protection, you can make steady progress, eventually transforming your karma and reaching .
It is clear that Precepts (Discipline), Concentration and Wisdom are of immense help to your practice. Furthermore, they are essential for maintaining harmonious relationships with those around you. This is a matter of great importance.
The Wisdom of Endurance
In your daily life, how should you conduct yourself? If others treat you with anger or resentment, you must respond with and Patience (Endurance). If you see others breaking the Precepts or engaging in improper conduct, you must be careful not to be tainted by their actions or join them in their wrongdoings.
It is better to suffer a loss than to take advantage of others. To act in this way, and to do so with a joyful heart, is the mark of a truly wise person. By choosing virtue over temporary gain, you protect your own nature and continue to walk the Right Way.
