The Path of Unceasing Diligence

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

The suffering of beings has never ceased, and the work of saving them knows no end. You are yourself one of these beings, struggling within the cycle of rebirth. To have the opportunity to enter the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is a rare and precious blessing. You must realise that this is not easily attained. To learn the Buddha’s teachings is a great fortune, and to hear the Pure Land path is even more difficult to encounter. Meeting Namo Amituofo at this time is truly a magnificent and unprecedented event in your life.

The Fourfold Assembly's Devotion

The fourfold assembly of disciples must be diligent. You should keep Namo Amituofo in your heart at all times. This presence must permeate every aspect of your existence:

• In your mouth: Constantly chanting the name of Namo Amituofo.
• In your heart: Maintaining a sincere and focused devotion to the Buddha.
• In your body: Carrying yourself with the grace and dignity of a practitioner.
• In your eyes: Seeing the Buddha’s light in all beings and all things.
• In your vows: Aligning your deepest intentions with the Buddha’s compassion.
• In your actions: Living your life as the Buddha would, with kindness and wisdom.

Merely being diligent is not enough; you must be fiercely diligent. You must reach a state where there is no time for slackness, no moment where your focus wavers from the path of Awakening.

The Unceasing Path of Diligence

When you transform your personality, you will see real progress. Your Six Roots will become sensitive and clear, and your awareness will manifest. Awakening is the state where your spirit is always ready to save others. You must apply yourself with unceasing effort, serving the masses without a single complaint. By relying on the two forces—your own effort and the power of Namo Amituofo—you can truly help others. Consider these pillars of unceasing practice:

• Saving beings: There is no time for slackness when the world is in need of salvation. When beings are saved, it is a great blessing.
• Lectures: Engaging in the teaching of the Dharma must be done without pause to help the confused leave suffering behind.
• Listening to sutras: Hearing the Dharma must be a continuous practice, allowing you to reach Awakening in the present moment.

Steadfastness in the Face of Adversity

Regardless of how the external world treats you—whether you face slander, attack, or praise—you must remain unmoved. You must achieve the Buddha-Recitation Samadhi. When your meditative concentration is strong, your inner heart will be pure and completely free from the dust of worldly toil. No external event will be able to disturb your peace. You are the primary rescuer of your own spirit, and you must lead the way for others.

Move forward directly and steadily, without any time for slackness. Walk the path of saving the world and rescuing beings, just as the Buddha does. Namo Amituofo.