The Practice of Extensively Cultivating Offerings
Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju
First Session of the Thrice Yearning Ceremony, November 10, 2019
The Universality of Our Offerings
We must extend our offerings to all beings, whether they are sentient or insentient. When we truly realise that there is no distinction between 'you' and 'me', we understand that we are all one entity. Since beginningless time, we have been lost in the illusion of separation, creating divisions where none exist. However, this very moment is an opportunity to bridge those gaps. Whether a being has a karmic connection with us or not, we can transform that relationship. By chanting the Buddha-name of Namo Amituofo, we weave a thread of connection that binds all beings to the path of liberation.
The Diamond Seed of
Once the Buddha-name enters the ear, it becomes a diamond-like seed of enlightenment. No matter how many hundreds of kalpas may pass, this seed remains indestructible. It ensures that, in time, every being will be saved and will eventually attain rebirth in the of Ultimate Bliss. This is the power of the Buddha-name; it is the ultimate offering we can provide to the world.
How to Cultivate True Offerings
True offering is not merely a material act; it is a way to nourish the heart itself. When we ask what we can do to practise this, we must look to the qualities of the heart:
- Offerings of and : Share the warmth of your heart and the light of your happiness with everyone you encounter.
- The practice of letting go: Learn to relinquish your attachments and cultivate a spirit of generosity.
- The cultivation of purity: Maintain a pure and serene mind, free from the stains of greed, anger, and ignorance.
- Providing for basic needs: Offer support for the physical necessities of others, including food, clothing, shelter, and transportation.
- Spiritual support: Assist others in their journey, both physically and spiritually, by walking the path alongside them.
- Offerings to the Triple Gem: Dedicate your devotion to the Buddha, the , and the Sangha.
The Path to
When we offer our body, mind, and spirit to the service of all beings across the universe, we manifest the supreme Wisdom (Prajna). Wherever there is a being in need, we should be there to offer our presence and support. By taking on the suffering of others through our own body and mind, we practise the highest form of offering. When we reach the state of emptiness, where there is no self and no thought of 'I' or 'mine', we find the perfect opportunity to realise our true nature as an awakened being. This is the essence of the path, recorded by the chief writer, the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.
Namo Amituofo
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