The Path of Self-Reliance in Spiritual Practice

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

July 1, 2023.

Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju provides these teachings:

The Solitary Path of Self-Reliance

If you have the capacity to rely on your own strength, you must do so. Do not fall into the habit of depending on others to carry your burden. Dependency, once formed, quickly becomes a habit that weakens your resolve. It causes your own spiritual state to fluctuate based on the influence of others. If the influence is positive, it may seem beneficial for a time; however, if the influence is negative, it will leave you trapped in obstacles, making it difficult for you to make any genuine progress.

The Unshared Burden of Diligent Practice

This is especially true when it comes to your diligent practice. No one can perform this work for you; it is a task that must be undertaken by yourself alone. In the realm of spiritual cultivation, the principle is clear: each individual must walk their own path. Your practice is your own, and the fruits of that practice belong solely to you. You cannot expect to reap the rewards of someone else's efforts, nor can you rely on others to clear the path that you yourself must tread.

The Mirror of Causal Conditions

Choosing to rely on yourself is a fundamental part of growing into an independent practitioner. It is the active expression of your own capabilities and the manifestation of your willingness to take responsibility for your life. By standing on your own, you are directly facing your own karmic conditions and the causes and effects that have manifested in your present life. This is the only way to truly understand and resolve the issues that arise within your own heart and spirit.

The Compassionate Light of the Buddha

At the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, it is a great blessing for all disciples to be able to invite the Buddha to provide teachings. These teachings serve as a compass, pointing out the way forward on your journey. However, you must understand that while the Buddha provides the guidance, you must be the one to walk the path. If you fall ill, the Buddha may provide instructions on how to improve your condition or suggest appropriate therapies. Yet, the most important medicine is not found in a bottle; it is found in your own diligent practice and the improvement of your spiritual achievements.

The Alchemy of Character Transformation

The task of changing personality traits is the primary homework for most practitioners. Some have not yet begun this work, and their karmic consequences have not yet manifested. Others have either not changed or have only partially changed, and for them, the consequences have already appeared in the form of the suffering associated with old age and illness. In truth, this process of self-reflection and character transformation is the very essence of the path toward awakened being. You must rely on yourself, make a firm and painful decision to change, and remain cautious and vigilant at all times. By doing so, you will avoid creating the negative causes that lead to the bitter fruits of suffering. Namo Amituofo.