The Power of Self-Effort in Pure Land Practice
Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju
The Synergy of and Self-Effort
The grace of in the is boundless and ever-present. When you initiate your own self-effort, the Buddha-name acts as your constant protective shield. The power of the Buddha is infused within the Buddha-name, while your self-effort is manifested through your diligent practice. When a single thought of a sincere vow arises, its ripples are felt throughout the vastness of the Realm. If you can walk the path of the Dharma without ever tiring, all beings in the Dharma Realm will become aware of your sincerity. Namo Amituofo protects all children according to their capacity and their unique Buddhist affinity.
The Foundation of Daily Practice
You must be cautious with every thought and intention that arises in your mind. For the fourfold assembly, the daily practice is essential and cannot be neglected. Reciting the Sutras and performing prostrations are the fundamental skills of our practice. If you find yourself lacking in these, you must be alert and awaken to your situation immediately. Those who are absent from their duties must engage in sincere repenting. Participating in the daily practice is a fundamental Precept that every practitioner must uphold.
Avoiding the Path of Complacency
If you treat absence from your practice as a habit, you are merely indulging and excusing yourself. How can one justify breaking the ? How can you hope to avoid the path to the hells if you do not take your practice seriously? If the fourfold assembly is biased or lacks virtue, remember that each person must cultivate their own path and look through their own eyes. You must understand your own character clearly. Do not simply drift through life, hoping to get by one day at a time. It is a great pity to let your Buddhist affinity in this Buddha-land pass you by. You must use your own power to diligently change your ways. Only then can you truly say you are practising in the Buddha-land. This teaching was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.
Namo Amituofo
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Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
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