Recorded and transcribed by ’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.
During the third session of the held on 11 April 2025, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju offered profound guidance on the necessity of maintaining a consistent and uninterrupted spiritual practice.
The Foundation of Uninterrupted Practice
To maintain your daily practice without interruption is the fundamental duty of any practitioner. It is the hallmark of one who is truly diligent in their spiritual journey. When you commit to a daily routine, you are not merely performing tasks; you are building a sanctuary of focus within your own heart. This consistency is what separates the casual observer from the dedicated practitioner who is serious about their path to .
The Purest Path of Chanting and
When you chant the holy name of Namo Amituofo, you must do so with a mind that is pure and continuous. Let the name flow from your heart, moment after moment, without break. This is what it means to be a true practitioner of Buddha-recitation. Furthermore, you should engage in daily prostrations to dissolve your spiritual obstacles. You must be extremely cautious with your body, speech, and mind. Do not allow yourself to fall back into confusion and create new , for if you do, you will find yourself burdened by new debts before the old ones have even been cleared. Use the practice of prostration as a skillful means to purify your past actions and lighten your spirit.
Cultivating the Three Learnings
Reciting the Sutras daily without interruption is essential, for within the sacred texts lie infinite meanings. Do not overthink or intellectualise the words; simply recite them with a sincere heart. In time, your mind will naturally open, and you will find clarity and deep understanding. To support your growth, you must diligently cultivate the Three Learnings of , Samadhi, and Wisdom. Keep this practice at the forefront of your mind, ensuring it remains uninterrupted. This is the most effective way to assist yourself on the path:
Precepts (Discipline): By upholding the precepts, you prevent the creation of new negative karma.
Concentration: Through meditative concentration, you ensure that your practice makes steady progress.
Wisdom: As your wisdom unfolds, you will come to understand the truth of reality and the nature of all things.
Walking the
As you chant Namo Amituofo, you should simultaneously practise the Six Perfections. These are the shared vows of all Bodhisattvas, and by perfecting them, you draw closer to the attainment of Buddhahood:
Generosity: Giving of your time, resources, and to help others.
Discipline: Maintaining a pure and ethical way of life.
Patience: Enduring difficulties with a calm and steady heart.
Diligence: Persisting in your practice without becoming lazy or distracted.
Meditation: Keeping the mind still and focused on the truth.
Wisdom: Seeing through the illusions of the world to the underlying reality.
Returning to the Original Nature
Cultivate the —, , and the spirit of letting go—to expand your heart until it is boundless. If you are a true practitioner of the path, these qualities will naturally manifest as you achieve spiritual success. We must always be grateful for this supreme and profound Dharma, which allows us to rediscover our true self and see our original nature. The ultimate goal of achieving the Buddha's path is to save all suffering beings, and we must ensure that our work to spread the Pure Land teachings continues without interruption.
