recorded and transcribed by ’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe
On the first day of May in the year 2026, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju provided the following essential guidance for all practitioners.
The Weight of Our Words
Among the three categories of —Body, Speech, and Mind—it is our speech that most easily creates negative karma, often without us even realising it. When a thought arises in your mind, it is often immediately followed by words spoken from your mouth. If that initial thought is one of goodness, the words you speak will naturally be kind and beneficial. This is how you plant a good cause and reap a good fruit, leading to a life of happiness and peace, free from the burdens of suffering.
However, if your thought is one of negativity, the words that follow will inevitably be harmful or unkind. In this way, you plant a negative cause and reap an evil consequence, resulting in a life of suffering and turmoil. This cycle of speech is one of the primary reasons why beings remain trapped within the cycle of rebirth, suffering endlessly in the six realms.
Guarding the Mind and Intentions
In Buddhism, we understand that the moment a thought arises, we are already creating karma. Because our mental state directly influences our physical actions, it is vital for every practitioner to learn how to regulate their heart and guard their thoughts with great care. You must strive to maintain a kind heart, for only then can you speak good words, perform good deeds, and become a person of true goodness.
By doing so, you will:
Give rise to all .
Achieve the fruit of .
Enter the state of no-thought, where you are perfectly aligned with the truth of the present moment.
The Practice of Silence
As you work to regulate your mental state, you should also practise the discipline of silence. Speak less, observe silence when appropriate, and maintain a quiet demeanour so that you can focus entirely on chanting Namo Amituofo. Chanting the Buddha-name is a practice of pure and perfect goodness, a form of pure karma that cleanses the spirit. When you chant the Holy Name "Namo Amituofo" aloud, you are actively engaged in the purification of your Body, Speech, and Mind.
You should chant each syllable of the Holy Name with sincerity and clarity, ensuring that every word is heard clearly within your heart. Practise with diligence and earnestness, holding the Buddha-name firmly in your mind at all times.
The Path to
While you are chanting, turn your focus inward. Do not let your eyes wander to the external world. The environment around you, the thoughts and actions of others, and the idle chatter of the world have nothing to do with your practice. What matters most is the state of your own heart in this very moment.
Do not let your mind wander into unnecessary thoughts. Instead, chant Namo Amituofo all the way, ensuring that your Body, Speech, and Mind are entirely focused on the Holy Name. This is the most fundamental, simple, and direct method to achieve purification and realise your true nature. Yet, for many practitioners, maintaining this consistency is a significant challenge. Whenever you allow delusion, discrimination, and attachment to arise, the continuity of your chanting is broken.
Therefore, you must truly put this practice into action. Only by being steadfast and sincere in your efforts can you receive the benefits of the and have the opportunity to enter the , achieving a state of deep peace and wisdom. The power of stillness allows you to gather your Body, Speech, and Mind, purify your heart, and elevate the quality of your spirit. Students of Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre, you must follow this path with unwavering dedication.
