The Past and Present are One

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

April 11, 2026.

Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju:

The Eternal Compassion of the Buddhas

The compassion of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas to save beings and help them leave suffering behind is the same in the past as it is in the present. This profound compassion has not increased in the past, nor has it decreased in the present. It is an eternal, unchanging force that permeates the universe.

Because the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas see the deep suffering of all beings, and because they understand that this suffering is incredibly difficult to escape, they provide constant counseling. They are continuously lecturing on the Dharma, never pausing in their efforts to guide us. Their singular hope is that all beings can recognise their own suffering, understand the nature of that suffering, and eventually leave suffering behind to find true happiness.

The Practice of Transformation

To help beings understand the Truth and act in accordance with the Right Path, the Buddhas counsel us to focus our hearts on the Buddha. You must chant one Buddha's name to the end. This practice is a profound process of transformation. We must learn to turn what is familiar into something unfamiliar, and what is unfamiliar into something familiar.

Consider the nature of our daily lives: delusion, discrimination, and attachment are things we have become very familiar with over countless lifetimes. We must now work diligently to transform these into something unfamiliar. Conversely, chanting the name of Namo Amituofo is something we are often unfamiliar with, as our hearts are accustomed to wandering. Through diligent practice, we must make the act of chanting Namo Amituofo our most familiar and natural habit.

Steadfastness Amidst Interference

The skills required for chanting the Buddha's name to be successful remain the same, whether in the past or the present. The past and present are one. When Buddhist practitioners enter into practice, their ultimate goal is to rediscover their true self. This goal is also the same in the past and present; it has not changed throughout the ages.

Even if you face frequent interference from demon crowds today, this is actually an opportunity to demonstrate a firm and unwavering heart. If you have not yet passed the test of your original vows, you must strengthen your heart and not be misled by these distractions. If you have made progress and passed the test, this will help your spiritual achievements advance rapidly, which is a great karmic fortune for all beings.

The Unchanging Truth

The principle that the past and present are one can be seen everywhere. It is not restricted by time or space; it exists within the heart of every being. No matter where you are, the Law of Cause and Effect remains the same: creating Goodness leads to Goodness, and creating evil leads to evil. This is the same in the past and present.

The Universal Principles, Truth, and the Right Path are also the same in the past and present. They do not change due to differences in time or space. By aligning ourselves with these eternal truths, we ensure our path to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss remains clear and unobstructed.

Namo Amituofo