The Path of Sincerity and Respect: Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju

Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

June 13, 2025

The Heart of a Sincere Seeker

Sincerity is defined by a single, focused heart that is free from division. It is a state of being purely respectful, with no other thoughts or distractions. This is the essential mindset that every person who seeks the Dharma should possess. When you are able to empty your heart, you create the necessary space to truly absorb and internalise the teachings provided by those who guide you.

The Buddha’s teachings are the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. They are boundless and without limits. To guide seekers toward becoming an awakened being and help them rediscover their original, true nature, countless methods have been created. Within these various methods, a practitioner will gain the benefits of the Dharma through diligent practice and real-world application. Through this process of purification, your innate abilities will begin to manifest.

The Dangers of Attachment

When these innate abilities first appear, you must be extremely cautious. Do not become attached to the states, visions, or phenomena you encounter. Once you fall into the trap of attachment, you become vulnerable to interference from ghost deities, demonic beings, or demon crowds. If you are interfered with, you will experience illusions in your body and heart, which can lead to various problems and significant discomfort.

At such times, you must immediately raise your awareness. You must sincerely and respectfully invite the guidance of the Buddha or Bodhisattva, patriarchs and venerable masters, or a true spiritual friend. They possess the ability to discern the root cause of your problems and to see clearly the difference between the real and the illusory. They can provide specific guidance to help you resolve the conflict with your karmic creditors. By facing and solving these issues, the interference will be lifted, allowing your practice to advance further.

The Continuous Process of Purification

These situations can occur at every stage of your practice. Therefore, you must stay close to the Buddha or Bodhisattva, patriarchs and venerable masters, or a true spiritual friend. They can provide timely correction and guidance, allowing you to improve and purify yourself at any moment. Practice is, in essence, a continuous process of diligent purification.

Practitioners must understand that they often have shortcomings. You should show respect to all beings, people, and the fourfold assembly you encounter. In the Ten Great Vows of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, the first vow is to respect for all Buddhas. This highlights the vital importance of being respectful to everyone you meet.

Cultivating Humility and Virtue

Practitioners must never be arrogant, doubtful, or disregard any being. To act in such a way is a great harm to your virtue and your progress in diligent practice. Therefore, you must maintain a heart of sincerity and respect at all times. This is of great help to your purification, the cultivation of compassion, the development of virtue, and the ultimate success of your practice.

Namo Amituofo