The Nature of Change and the Eternal Truth

Recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

On the occasion of the noon offering during the Thrice Yearning Ceremony, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju provided these profound teachings on the nature of change.

The Constant Tide of Impermanence

In this world of impermanence, everything is in a constant state of flux. Nothing remains static; every moment is a transition, and every phenomenon is subject to the relentless tide of change. Whether it is the shifting of seasons, the passage of time, or the transformation of our circumstances, all of these are merely parts of the greater cycle of impermanence.

However, amidst this endless movement, there is something that does not move. Only the true nature—the state of an awakened being—remains unmoved, unchanging, and eternally present. It is the bedrock of our existence, untouched by the shifting sands of time. To realise this is to find the anchor that holds us steady when the world around us is in turmoil.

Cultivating a Still Heart

The essence of our practice is to cultivate the heart so that it does not fluctuate with external circumstances. We must learn to remain steady, like a mountain amidst the wind. While we must be flexible enough to adapt to the changing external environment, the people we meet, and the events that unfold, our inner state must remain anchored in clarity.

When we make decisions, we must do so from a place of selfless purification. If our choices are guided by the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way, then whether the situation changes or remains the same, our actions will always be rooted in right mindfulness and right conduct.

The Unchanging Law of Karma

Everything in this world operates according to the laws of karma and cause and effect. As we move through life, we are constantly planting new seeds. This is an unchanging principle that governs all existence:

• Planting good causes:
• When we act with kindness and wisdom, we inevitably reap good fruit.Planting negative causes: When we act out of ignorance or greed, we inevitably face evil consequences.

The starting point for both goodness and evil is primarily the heart, while the manifestation of these causes is primarily seen through our actions. Within our hearts and our physical conduct, the laws of karma and cause and effect are constantly unfolding according to the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way.

Living in Harmony with the Truth

All beings live within this framework, whether they are people with physical bodies or spirits without a body. Because this is the reality of our existence, we must adhere to the unchanging principles of goodness in our daily lives:

• Goodness of heart:
• Maintaining a pure and compassionate intention.Goodness of action:
• Ensuring our deeds benefit others.Goodness of speech:
• Using words that are truthful, gentle, and encouraging.Goodness of thought: Keeping our minds focused on the right path.

By making these the foundation of our practice, we can move forward with confidence. Those who have realised their true nature possess a heart that is selfless and unshakable. They act according to the needs of the situation and the beings they encounter, yet they are never swayed or disturbed by those very circumstances. This is the power of the awakened being: to transform the environment without being transformed by it.

Namo Amituofo