Recorded and transcribed by ’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.
On the thirteenth of July, 2025, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju provided these essential teachings regarding the nature of our minds.
The Elusive Nature of the Heart and Mind
Where does the mind truly reside? It is not the physical heart within your chest, nor is it something you can search for or touch with your hands. Yet, it exists with absolute reality. What we call the mind is the source of all our experiences, yet it remains hidden from our physical .
Mind fluctuations are an abstract sensation, yet you can feel them quite clearly. When the mind fluctuates, it generates specific , emotions, and energy. Negative energy and emotions cause the heart to feel heavy, depressed, and burdened by suffering. Conversely, positive energy and emotions bring and happiness to the heart.
Caught in the Cycle of Cause and Effect
These fluctuations, feelings, and emotions are constantly in motion. Whether you are planting a new cause or reaping the result of a past one, everything occurs within the cycle of cause and effect. Because these processes are governed by , you often find that you cannot control them. You are swept along by the currents of your own past actions.
If you could stop these fluctuations, feelings, and emotions, you would cease to plant these causes and, consequently, would no longer have to endure their results. However, as ordinary people, we have become accustomed to living in a state of constant mental activity and endless fluctuations. We do not rest for even a single moment, nor do we allow our hearts to find peace for even a fleeting second.
The Reality of Our Karmic Burden
There is a profound truth often spoken of in the sutras: for the beings of this world, every thought and intention is nothing but karma, and every action is nothing but a transgression. This is the stark reality of our existence. If this karma results in a good cause and a good fruit, you may experience happiness without suffering, which is fortunate. However, if this karma stems from a negative cause and leads to evil consequences, you will experience suffering without joy.
In this state, suffering far outweighs happiness. Within this cycle of suffering and joy, we continue to plant new negative causes, which lead to further suffering. This cycle repeats endlessly, making it incredibly difficult to escape the cycle of rebirth.
The Supreme Remedy of Namo Amituofo
Our Buddha is filled with . He knows that beings are constantly caught in their own thoughts and that deep-seated bad habits are difficult to change. Therefore, He has hidden the wonderful method for helping all beings leave suffering behind and find happiness within the Holy Name of Namo Amituofo.
If you chant the Holy Name of Namo Amituofo with continuous chanting without interruption, you can achieve the following:
You can suppress the delusion, discrimination, and attachment that serve as the root source of all suffering for beings.
You can attain meditative concentration, which allows you to still the fluctuations of your mind.
You will no longer be pulled by the impermanence of suffering and joy.
You can make the vow to be reborn in the of Ultimate Bliss.
This is the grace of Amitabha Buddha bestowed upon all beings. You should hold this gratitude in your heart, maintain the practice of chanting the Holy Name without interruption, and carry this devotion from your initial aspiration to Buddhahood.
