The Path of True Dedication

Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, recorded by Venerable HaiZe.

July 2, 2023.

The Essence of Selfless Giving

Those who can proactively engage in Generosity (Giving) and dedication are individuals who have truly embraced a state of selflessness and no-self. There are many ways in which this spirit of giving manifests. Some individuals are first touched and transformed by the compassion they have received from others; consequently, they develop a sincere heart and are willing to dedicate their time, their mental energy, their physical strength, and even their very lives to the service of all beings. They do this to help others leave suffering behind and find happiness. Others may have made a vow in the past, and now that their wishes have come to fruition, they are fulfilling their commitment through dedicated service.

Regardless of the path that leads one to this point, the most important element remains the state of one's heart. It must be a heart of sincere, genuine dedication. Without this sincerity, the act of giving remains superficial and lacks the transformative power required for true spiritual growth.

Dedication at Hsiang Kuang: A Sacred Sanctuary

For practitioners who are At Hsiang Kuang: A Sacred Sanctuary, the highest form of practice is to sincerely dedicate oneself to Namo Amituofo. This involves offering your time, your mental focus, and your physical vitality. It means, according to your individual vows, offering your body, mind, and spirit to be used for the benefit of all beings.

When your heart is pure, genuine, and untainted, you become a vessel for the Buddha's work. You are willing to be used by the Buddha for the sake of all sentient beings. When you align your heart, your vows, and your actions with those of Namo Amituofo, you will undoubtedly reap profound rewards. You will find that your practice deepens, your wisdom expands, and your connection to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss becomes unbreakable.

The Hidden Obstacles of the Ego

Many people claim that they are willing to dedicate themselves entirely to Namo Amituofo, yet they still hold onto reservations. These reservations often reside deep within the heart, hidden in places that even the practitioner finds difficult to perceive. This is because such reservations are rooted in a very deep, instinctive form of self-protection. This self-protection is driven by the "self," personal ego, and selfishness—the very habits we must overcome.

Sometimes, we have emotion that we do not wish to be stirred, and so we pretend they do not exist. We ignore these subtle attachments, believing they are harmless. However, these hidden layers will eventually cover your sincere heart, making it impossible for your dedication to be wholehearted. If you do not face these inner shadows, your practice will remain stagnant, and you will find it difficult to fully commit to the path of awakening.

The Proof of Transformation

If you are truly dedicated to offering yourself to Namo Amituofo, it will be evident in your life. You will be able to listen to the Buddha's teachings, take them into your heart, and manifest them in your daily actions. If you are truly practising, you will see significant changes within a short period of time.

For example, we are constantly reminded of the importance of changing personality traits. How much have you actually changed? If you have not changed, or if you have only changed partially, you will find that your drowsy states and your tendency to drift into a vacant space during practice will not improve. Conversely, if you have truly changed your habits and purified your heart, you will see that these obstacles—the drowsy states and the mental wandering—will naturally begin to diminish.

I hope that all students of Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, on this path of practice, will learn to recognise these truths, work diligently to change their habits, and walk this path with ease, free from all obstructions.

Namo Amituofo