The Path of Swift Practice: Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju

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

On the twenty-fifth of January, 2025, during the midday offering, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju provided the following teachings to the fourfold community of disciples.

The Fleeting Nature of Human Life

The journey of human life is remarkably short. In the blink of an eye, years have already passed us by. If you wish to make true progress, you must learn to let go of the past. Do not constantly look back at what has already occurred, for it cannot be changed. Instead, you must learn to live fully in the present moment. Do not obsessively plan for a future that is not yet here; rather, live in accordance with the natural flow of conditions. Everything in this world follows its own natural course, and it is not something that can be forced by human will.

Living in the Universal Flow

Within the Universal Principle, the path of the six realms of rebirth is absolute. This is not limited merely to our Saha world; whether in this realm or in other distant lands, all beings must abide by these fundamental laws. This natural order is exactly as it is. It is not something that can be achieved through struggle or forced effort. Everything exists within this natural, harmonious flow.

The Universe Within the Body

The most precious quality of the heart is its ability to remain unhindered by the external environment. Your inner world is, by its very nature, vast and boundless. This is because infinite beings reside within this body of yours. In a very real sense, this body is a universe unto itself. Each part of your being follows its own orbit, moving within the celestial body of the cosmos, operating according to the natural laws of existence. The laws of karma and cause and effect are woven into the very fabric of this internal universe. Because of these causes, there are effects, and thus our actions manifest. These are the karmic beings within us, and through them, our karma is revealed.

The Rare Opportunity at Hsiang Kuang

At this very moment, at Hsiang Kuang, Namo Amituofo truly abides. This is a rare and precious event, something that is difficult to encounter and even harder to truly appreciate. You must not let this opportunity pass by in vain. This is the perfect time to transform your karma. You must practise swiftly and without delay. By doing so, you will be able to see your true nature, attain Buddhahood, and enter the Western Land. You will also be able to save all those connected to you by karmic affinity. This is a truly rare time in your spiritual journey.

The Call to Swift Practice

Practise swiftly, without any hesitation or delay. This is the path of a wise person. Do not wait for a more convenient time, for the cycle of rebirth is relentless. By dedicating yourself to the path of Namo Amituofo, you align yourself with the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. May you cherish this moment, purify your body, mind, and spirit, and walk the path of awakening with unwavering resolve.

Namo Amituofo