The Preciousness of Time and the Path to Purity

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

The Fleeting Shadows of Passing Time

Have you ever paused to reflect upon how you spend your day? How much of your precious time is squandered in drowsiness or in drifting into other spaces? How much time do you spend scrutinising the Body, Speech, and Mind of others? When you focus on the perceived faults of others, your own heart becomes unsettled. This leads to the arising of anger, which drains your energy and leaves your body and mind feeling utterly exhausted.

Furthermore, how much time do you spend in idle conversation that does not contribute to your diligent practice? How much time is spent in self-centred thoughts, worrying about your family, planning for the future, or dwelling on your own personal feelings? Time passes in the blink of an eye, slipping away second by second. We must learn to cherish this precious time.

The Path to Unshakeable Meditative Concentration

To make the best use of your time, you should focus on the following:

• Chanting the name of Namo Amituofo continuously without interruption.
• Participating wholeheartedly in the Dharma assembly for Chao Du to help suffering beings.
• Applying yourself with sincerity to your daily practice.
• Refraining from observing the faults of others or speaking of their shortcomings.

By doing this, you will develop a state of meditative concentration that remains undisturbed by external circumstances.

Awakening the Heart to True Transformation

You must face the truth and identify the root causes of your drowsiness and why your mind wanders into other spaces. Once you have this awareness, you must stop these habits immediately. You must begin your transformation from the very core of your heart. When you truly act for the benefit of all beings rather than for your own selfish interests, you will be able to genuinely overcome the states of drowsiness and mental wandering.

Guarding the Six Roots for Eternal Purity

It is essential that you cultivate compassion for all beings. You must change your ways and change your personality traits to stop the manifestation of karma. Do not allow the karmic creditors to enter into the cycle of seeking revenge and suffering. You must protect your Six Roots, assisting them to remove defilements and attain purity. Stopping the habit of judging others and speaking of their faults is a vital aspect of your practice. Namo Amituofo.