Recorded and transcribed by ’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe, on the tenth of August, 2025. In this teaching, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju reminds us that the affairs of this world are inherently marked by impermanence. Once you have stepped onto the path of practice, you must learn to see through these shifting phenomena. Do not allow the constant changes of the world to disturb the peace of your heart.
If you have not yet seen through the illusions of life and learned to let go of your attachments, your practice will remain stagnant. You will find it difficult to make any real progress. We must recognise that our physical bodies are merely a temporary combination of the four elements. Because we are attached to this physical form, we struggle to be the master of our own lives and consequently endure various forms of suffering.
as a Vessel for Spirits
You must learn to see through the impermanence of this physical body. It is often layered with impurities and obstacles that hinder our spiritual growth. Within this body, there are countless sentient beings, and the space we occupy is filled with many spirits. You and I are both existing within this vast, interconnected web of life.
However, there is a way to transcend this state. If we can all unite in chanting Namo Amituofo, the light of Namo Amituofo will shine upon this body. Through this, the sentient beings residing within our space will also be saved. This process of chanting serves to purify the body and dispel the darkness of ignorance.
The Original Brilliance of the Heart
This heart of ours is originally our true self. Yet, at present, it is covered by layers of dust, and we are unable to see its true brilliance. If we do not realise that our heart is fundamentally pure, we will continue to be obstructed by ignorance. When becomes the master of our lives, the heart grows dim. You might ask: when will we ever be able to see our true face?
The light of the heart is inherently infinite and wonderful. It is pure, luminous, compassionate, and warm. When this light shines, it brings peace to our body, mind, and spirit, leaving no room for worry, vexation, or sorrow. By cultivating this light, we can distance ourselves from the : Greed, Anger, Ignorance, Arrogance, and Doubt, and break free from the : wealth, lust, fame, food, and sleep.
The Path of Chanting
The name of Namo Amituofo is pure, clean, and filled with Goodness. It has the power to resonate with the light of your heart and help you transcend the cycle of birth and death. Every person possesses this original nature; therefore, the purpose of our practice is simply to find our way back to that original state.
To achieve this, you must chant Namo Amituofo all the way. Practise this 24/7 without interruption. Chant with a continuous, dense, and focused mind. As you persist in this practice, you will find that the impurities and obstacles of the body are gradually removed, the heart becomes so pure that no dust can settle upon it, and the spirit and the soul find true peace and stability. When your body, mind, and spirit become one, you have reached the moment of becoming an awakened being and can truly be the master of your life.
Returning to the of Ultimate Bliss
At this very moment, Namo Amituofo truly abides at Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. The Buddha-light shines upon the path to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Together with the light of your heart, this Buddha-light protects all sentient beings. Let us continue to chant Namo Amituofo together, so that we may all attain rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Namo Amituofo.
