The Path of Knowing Repentance

During the third session of the Thrice Yearning Ceremony, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju provided profound guidance on the nature of repentance. To truly recognise one's faults, one must rely on the guidance of a true spiritual friend. Through their wisdom, we can unravel the knots of our past and see our various transgressions clearly. When the heart is clear, one understands the illusory nature of this world and the inescapable laws of karma and cause and effect. We must realise that all the suffering we encounter is ultimately a reflection of our own past actions.

The Mirror of Sincerity

To engage in genuine repentance, we must cultivate a heart that is humble and modest, treating all beings with equality. Only through this state of mind can we sincerely repent for our past mistakes. If one harbours arrogance or doubt, it is difficult to manifest a truly sincere heart. Repentance without sincerity is merely a superficial performance. Others will know, and it will be difficult to truly resolve the conflict that binds us to our karmic creditors.

The Softness of Compassion

We must develop a heart that is soft, compassionate, and filled with Wisdom. This softness allows us to acknowledge our faults without defensiveness. With compassion, we recognise the unbearable suffering of all beings. With Wisdom, we understand the principles of the universe and can resolve the grievances of our karmic creditors. Every situation we face is rooted in past grievances and suffering. How could we bear to let others remain trapped in such entanglement?

Awakening to the Bodhi Path

We must repent for our sins with complete sincerity and honesty. Saving other beings is, in essence, saving oneself. There should be no excuses or justifications for delaying this process. It is essential to know repentance and to change your ways. Only then can one be considered a person of Bodhi and true Wisdom. By following these teachings, we align ourselves with the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way, ensuring that our practice leads us toward the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

This message was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe, who served as the chief writer.