The Preciousness of the Present Moment

Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

The present moment refers to the specific situation you find yourself in, or it can refer to the flow of time itself. It acts as a bridge, connecting the past, the present, and the future. No matter what happened in the past, it has already passed. As for the future, it remains unknown and is filled with countless variables. The present moment is the immediate manifestation of your reality. If you have the ability to transform your state of mind, you must do so right now, in this very moment.

The Bridge Between Yesterday and Tomorrow

You must learn to grasp every present moment. This is because as soon as the next moment appears, the previous one has already become the past. Do not let your past be filled with regret. Instead, let your life be defined by diligent practice, so that you may live without regrets. How can you ensure that you are truly living in the present?

Anchoring Your Practice in the Now

You should spend every moment immersed in the following practices:

• Chanting the Buddha-name: Ensure that every single recitation of Namo Amituofo is clear and distinct, allowing the Buddha-name to resonate within your heart.
• Prostrations: Do not let a single movement go to waste; perform every bow to the Buddha with full sincerity and mindfulness.
• Sutra Recitation: When reciting the sutras, do not become overly attached to intellectualising the meaning. Simply recite the words directly and let the truth penetrate your heart.
• Selflessness: Practise in a state of selflessness and no-self, letting go of the ego that keeps you trapped in the cycle of rebirth.

By doing this, you will be able to navigate every moment, every fleeting second, and every unexpected change that life brings your way.

The Art of Letting Go

When you listen to the sutras and hear the Dharma, you must maintain a heart of openness. If you understand the teachings, that is wonderful; if you do not understand or are confused, do not cling to that confusion. Simply let it go. At this moment, your heart will be cleared and purified. Every word and every sentence you hear acts like pure Dharma-water, washing away the dust and grime from your Body-Mind-Spirit.

The Power of Your Words

In the present moment, you have a choice in how you use your speech:

• Lotus-speech: You can choose to chant Namo Amituofo and speak words of kindness and wisdom. This creates good causes that will inevitably lead to good fruit.
• Fire-speech: Conversely, you can choose to speak words of anger and resentment. Such speech is like a fire that burns down your forest of merits, creating negative causes that lead to evil consequences.

The present moment is precious. This is the heartfelt realisation of those who have achieved success in their diligent practice. May you cherish every moment and walk the path of the Buddha with a sincere heart.

Namo Amituofo