The Nature of Drifting
Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju
What is it that drifts? It is the manifestation of the heart and the beginning of this connection. We see the world around us in a state of constant, restless motion: scents drift upon the breeze, flowers drift to the ground, snow drifts through the air, the wind drifts across the landscape, and clouds drift across the sky. When the ordinary heart is unstable and lacks meditative concentration, itself drifts along with it, tossed by the currents of existence.
The Illusion of Constant Motion
All forms within this world are manifestations of the heart. Because they arise from the heart's attachments, they drift without any true foundation. These phenomena—the scents, flowers, snow, wind, and clouds—along with our own drifting hearts and bodies, are all bound by . The Six Dusts consist of sights, sounds, smells, tastes, touch, and mental objects. These are the manifestations of our . They exist because there is a connection by karmic affinity, and they vanish when that connection is exhausted. This is the cycle of the beginning of this connection and the extinction of this connection.
The Heart and the
When one has a heart filled with attachment, arises, connections are formed, and forms manifest. When that karma is exhausted and the connections are severed, the forms decay and disappear. However, when one reaches the state of having no heart—a state of pure, unattached awareness—there is no karma. Forms manifest only in accordance with conditions, without the weight of past actions. Where there is a connection by karmic affinity, there is a karmic form; where there is no connection, there is no karmic form.
The Western Land is entirely different. It is built upon the vow of . It manifests in whatever form is needed to suit the wishes of all beings. In that realm, any drifting form immediately transforms and dissolves, yet it can manifest again as needed. It appears and disappears without the constraints of birth and death. This is the nature of the infinite.
Cherishing the Precious Human Life
Do you understand the value of your precious human body? You must cherish it. Do not let your entire life pass by in a state of aimless drifting. In the blink of an eye, this human life will be over. The only moment that truly exists is the present moment. You must seize this time to practise the and return to your true nature.
Recorded by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe.
Namo Amituofo
More from Teachings of Practitioner Xia Lian Ju
The Boundless Grace of the Buddha
Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju shares profound insights on the immeasurable grace of the Buddha, the manifestation of Bodhisattvas across the six realms, and the rare, magnificent opportunity for spiritual growth at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre.
The Radiance of the True Nature
Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju explains the profound nature of Buddha-light, how it purifies the soul, and how the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre serves as a beacon of hope for all beings.
Lay Down Your Baggage and Journey Home
A profound teaching on the soul's journey through the cycle of rebirth, the heavy burden of worldly attachments, and the compassionate call of Namo Amituofo to return to our true home in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.
Humbly Seeking Guidance: Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju
Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju offers profound guidance on the necessity of humility, repentance, and the unwavering practice of chanting Namo Amituofo to achieve liberation and rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
More by Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
The Redemption of a Hollywood Icon
A candid reflection from the spirit of Elizabeth Taylor, who shares her journey from the blinding lights of Hollywood to the serene, transformative teachings of the Buddha in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.
The King of Pop's Journey to the Western Pure Land
Michael Jackson shares his journey from the pressures of global fame to the peace of the Western Pure Land, revealing the truth behind his life and his ultimate deliverance.
A Voice from the Darkness: Helen Keller's Journey
Helen Keller, the renowned deaf-blind philanthropist, shares her journey from the darkness of the ghost realm to the light of the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, guided by the compassion of Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su.
The Scientist's Awakening: An Interview with Albert Einstein
Albert Einstein, once considered the most brilliant mind in human history, reflects on his life, the nature of 'science' versus the Truth of the Dharma, and his existence in the Western Pure Land.
A President's Repentance: Ronald Reagan's Journey to the Pure Land
Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the United States, reflects on his life, his political career, and his profound journey from the depths of hell to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss through the compassion of Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su.
The Reflection of a Nation's Founder
This is a record of an interview with Kim Il Sung, the founder and former leader of North Korea, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life and the spiritual truths he has realised since his passing thirty-two years ago. Recorded by the chief writer, Venerable Fa Hui, on May 18, 2026.
About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library