The Path of Salvation: Teachings of Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju

The Foundation of True Compassion

You, your family members, and all those you hold dear are part of the vast ocean of beings. If you possess true compassion and feel the weight of the suffering that all beings endure, you must first focus on your own spiritual achievement. It is only through your own success in practice that you gain the capacity to save yourself, to save your family members, and ultimately, to save the world. If you are still in need of salvation yourself, how can you possibly hope to save others?

You must first secure your own footing on the path of the Dharma before you can extend a hand to those who are drowning in the cycle of reincarnation.

The Unity of Self and Others

Those who understand the principle of the One Body realise that there is no true separation between oneself and others. Once you have reached the state of an awakened being and have saved yourself, you will naturally move to save and liberate all other beings. Saving yourself is, in the deepest sense, saving all beings; saving all beings is, in turn, saving yourself. This is the interconnected nature of our existence.

If you do not first liberate yourself, you will remain trapped in this Five Turbidities and Evil World. You will be swayed by external circumstances and drift away with your karma, finding it difficult to return to the right path. Therefore, you must seek to rediscover your true self. Only after you have reached Awakening can you truly enter the path of saving the world and liberating beings.

Navigating the Illusory World

Everything you see before you in this life is an illusory environment. Within this false and illusory world, you must remain clear-headed and not be deceived by the fleeting appearances of the material realm. By following the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way, you will eventually rediscover your true self and perceive the true reality of all laws of the world.

Those who are monastics and those who wish to save the world must hold this understanding and act accordingly in every moment of their lives. The path of reincarnation is always right before your eyes, appearing in the blink of an eye. You must be careful and cautious in every action you take.

The Urgent Call to the Western Land

The path to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss is right here at Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. All children of the Buddha, you must cherish this opportunity and do not let it pass in vain. The time for practice is now, and the opportunity for liberation is within your reach. Do not allow the distractions of this world to lead you astray. By dedicating yourself to the practice of chanting Namo Amituofo and adhering to the teachings, you will find the way home to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This message was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.