Recorded and transcribed by ’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe, during the midday offering on April 4, 2025, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju offers these profound insights on the practice of bearing suffering for the sake of all beings.
When we speak of bearing the suffering of all beings, we must first understand the scope of this term. In its broadest sense, it encompasses all beings throughout the entire Realm, extending even to the demon crowds. If we narrow our focus, it refers specifically to those within the human world. To take upon oneself the suffering of others is a remarkably swift method for achieving spiritual success.
However, one cannot simply wish to bear this burden without the necessary foundation. To successfully help beings leave suffering behind, the practitioner must possess:
Deep-seated virtue and moral conduct.
Substantial accumulated merit.
A sincere, unwavering heart of compassion.
Only when these qualities are present can the practitioner effectively resolve the grievances of others, invite them to let go of their pain, and guide them toward liberation.
Healing the Inner and Outer Worlds
This practice serves a dual purpose: it is a method for saving others and a vital tool for liberating the beings within our own bodies. These beings, our , often harbour deep resentment from past lives. When they witness the practitioner willingly and joyfully bearing suffering on their behalf—without a single thought of regret or complaint—their hearts begin to soften.
They find relief from their inner turmoil. Consequently, they become willing to cease their demands for retribution and release their long-held hatred. This is the true power of compassion in action.
The Magnificent Opportunity at Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre
At the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Goombungee, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia, beings who have been resolved and invited are sent to the Western Land of Dharma Nature, where they are finally freed from their suffering. If they make the vow to be reborn in the West, they may enter the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.
This is a magnificent and rare occurrence—an opportunity that is difficult to encounter even in millions of years. It is a testament to the power of the Dharma and the sincerity of the practice performed here.
The Medicine of
Those who bear the suffering of others find that their own spiritual quality is significantly elevated. This practice is essential for nurturing a heart of compassion before one reaches , and it is the natural, spontaneous conduct of those who have already realised their true nature. The connection between the practitioner and the suffering being is a profound Dharma affinity; it is the very reason this body exists and why the opportunity to bear their suffering has arisen.
In this context, we can speak of a medicine that cures all ailments:
The medicine is the body that is willing to bear the suffering of others.
The cure is the act of resolving the conflict and inviting the beings within our bodies to find peace.
Overcoming the Fear of Practice
Bearing the suffering of others is a practice of oneness and a manifestation of a compassionate heart. Yet, for some practitioners, it is a daunting path. Fear often creates a barrier, leading to regression in practice or an inability to take the next step forward. When you feel this hesitation, you must nurture your compassion and courageously overcome the fears of your body and mind.
Remember this truth: saving others is, in reality, saving yourself. Liberating others is, in truth, liberating yourself. By helping others, you are the one who ultimately benefits. May we all walk this path with a heart of pure devotion.
