The Past is Gone: Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju

The Fleeting Nature of Existence

The world is formed by the combination of multiple karmic conditions. Everything proceeds through the arising and ceasing of these conditions. What has already passed is gone and will never return. Your practice is the same. Therefore, you must seize the time you have to practise diligently. Do not wait until you are old, sick, or weak, when it becomes difficult to change your ways. Do not let your practice pass by in vain, only to sigh with regret later.

As time passes, second by second, the people, events, and scenery of that moment become the past. You must understand that within the cycle of karmic conditions and the causes and effects, you should not allow what has already passed to hinder your current practice. No one can replace you in your practice. You must cultivate it yourself to gain the benefits. If you do not repent and turn towards goodness, and if you do not practise diligently, you will have no opportunity to progress.

The Compassionate Mission of the Buddha

For those wandering spirits and suffering beings who have no one to rely on, meeting the Buddha provides a chance to be saved by the Buddha's power and leave suffering behind. The purpose of the Buddha appearing in this world is to save beings, helping them leave suffering behind and find happiness, and to guide them to rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This even extends to helping the demon crowds. By using the great power and great utility of the Buddha, we can:

• Subdue the demon crowds.
• Transform them so they may enter the Western Land of Dharma Nature.
• Help them break free from the Demon Realm.
• Encourage them to repent and turn towards goodness.
• Provide them with the opportunity to practise and eventually achieve success in their practice.

Living in the Present Moment

Although you may have memories of your many lives stored in your consciousness, they are all already in the past. The past mind cannot be grasped, the present mind cannot be grasped, and the future mind cannot be grasped. You must live in the present moment. Chanting Namo Amituofo all the way is what you should be doing at this time.

Regardless of the past, whether you:

• Failed to repent and frequently created karma.
• Did not listen and ended up with a body full of spiritual attachments.
• Failed to resolve conflicts with your karmic creditors.
• Fell into a state of drowsiness and entered spaces where you saw no improvement.
• Spoke loudly or were easily angered.

All these things are already in the past. In this very moment, chant Namo Amituofo all the way. Practise prostrations, chant the Buddha's name, and recite the Sutras well. Do not dwell on the past. Take full responsibility, and simply chant straight ahead!

Namo Amituofo