The Path to True Understanding

On the twenty-third of January, 2021, during the Noon Offering of the Thrice Yearning Ceremony, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju provided these essential teachings on the nature of understanding. This guidance serves as a beacon for all practitioners seeking to navigate the complexities of the spiritual path.

The Radiance of the Awakened Heart

What does it truly mean to understand? Is it an understanding of the heart, the physical body, or the profound meaning of the Dharma? If you possess a pure, child-like heart, you will naturally know how to find this understanding. It is through the process of becoming an awakened being that one can truly comprehend all things. When you hold onto a mind of attachment, understanding becomes difficult to attain. However, when you let go of this attachment and reside in a state of no-mind—a state of pure, unconditioned awareness—you will find that everything is understood with perfect clarity.

Originally, our nature is pure and free from attachment, yet we have allowed ourselves to become stained by the dust of the world. This process of accumulation transforms our original nature into a false, deluded mind, making it incredibly difficult to see the truth. Now, we have the opportunity to return to the land of Namo Amituofo. Know that the Buddha and the teachers are always by your side, guiding you back to your true home. Even though your original nature is currently obscured, you must put in the work to clear away the veils of ignorance.

The Steady Path of Diligent Practice

You must engage in diligent practice, taking firm and steady steps on the path. As you continue to practise, the various stains that have clouded your mind will gradually be purified. Do not worry about whether you can hear the Buddha’s words, and do not despair that your awakening seems far away. If you remain steadfast in your commitment to the path, these goals will naturally manifest. Through the power of your practice, you will find the clarity you seek.

Compassion for All Beings

To the karmic creditors residing within your body, you must realise that they are also children within the Buddha’s affinity. We invite them to enter the Dharma-land and find their way out of the maze of confusion. Together, we can untangle the difficult knots of resentment that have been tied within the heart. Do not continue to wait in suffering for the sake of seeking revenge. The most profound suffering is that which we inflict upon ourselves, and it is vital that we recognise this truth. You are one with the Buddha in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, and we await your return to the lotus of the West. This message was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

Namo Amituofo