The Path of Practice and Realisation

Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

26 June 2022

True practice is not merely a concept; it is the actual, physical application of the Dharma in your daily life. When you engage in spiritual practice, whether you make progress or regress depends entirely on two things: the state of your heart and the consistency of your actions. If you do not truly commit to the path, your progress will remain stagnant.

The Vital Necessity of Action

Many people fail to understand the nature of suffering because they have not yet experienced it deeply enough. However, to truly know suffering and to resolve it, one must take action. If you do not act, the cycle of suffering will remain unbroken. Even if you understand the principles of the Dharma perfectly, if you do not put them into practice, it is like discussing military strategy on paper without ever entering the battlefield. You will not be able to move forward.

• Understanding: You must first grasp the truth of the Dharma.
• Practice: You must then apply this understanding to your daily life.
• Realisation: Only through consistent practice will you achieve true insight and proof of the teachings.

From Understanding to True Realisation

A true practitioner knows that action arises from understanding, and realisation follows action. Through the process of Body-Mind-Spirit purification, you engage in genuine practice and authentic realisation, which leads to moments of profound awakening. Realisation is not a passive state; it requires you to be fiercely diligent in your practice. You must constantly break through your own limitations to advance further.

The Path to Awakening and Buddhahood

The ability to act is one of the most important links in your spiritual journey. When your Body-Mind-Spirit are fully harmonised and purified, you will reach a moment of total clarity. In that instant, you will realise one's true nature and attain Buddhahood. This is the ultimate fruit of your efforts. By maintaining your vow to be reborn in the West, you ensure that your path is secure. Your ultimate purpose is to save the world, rescue infinite suffering beings, and pass on the Buddha’s teachings and the Pure Land to future generations. Namo Amituofo.