The Path of Blood and Tears: Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju

The Hardship of the Path

These teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju were recorded by Venerable HaiZe on May 27, 2022. The path of practice is a direct road, yet it is often marked by the blood and tears shed over countless aeons. Just as the plum blossom must endure the biting cold of winter before it can bloom upon the branch, so too must the practitioner endure the trials of this world to reveal their true self.

Letting Go of the Past

Everything you encounter is a necessary part of your journey. Whether for your own growth or for the sake of all beings, you must learn to let go of the burdens you have carried for aeons. The actions and attachments of the past, which have weighed down your spirit, must be released. Only by truly letting go can you create the space required for genuine purification to take root within your heart.

Repentance and Purification

When you begin the process of purification, you may find yourself confronted with the history of your own blood and tears. You will see the shadows of the past and the harm you have caused. When these memories arise, you must offer sincere repentance. It is not enough to simply acknowledge these past wrongs; you must resolve to stop them and never commit them again. Do not continue to harm yourself or other beings. By ceasing these negative actions, you protect your own heart and the hearts of all those connected to you.

The Responsibility of Awakening

The ultimate goal of your practice is to realise your true self. You must understand that you are one with all beings; their suffering is your suffering. If you do not put in the work to cultivate your practice, you will find no success. If you achieve success in your practice, all beings can be saved; however, if you fail to achieve this, all beings will continue to sink into the cycle of rebirth. This is the weight of your responsibility as a practitioner.

Cherishing the Present Opportunity

As long as you still have a single breath remaining, you must never give up the search for your true self. When you finally realise your true nature, the wisdom of Prajna will manifest. This is the greatest blessing, for it ensures that both you and all beings can be saved, and it ensures that you have not wasted this precious human life. At this very moment, Namo Amituofo truly abides here at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. You must cherish this blessing and treasure this rare karmic connection. Namo Amituofo.