The Priceless Nature of This Human Body

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

The Precious Vessel for Awakening

Although we are ordinary beings whose bodies are formed by the weight of our past karma, we must realise that this very body is the only vehicle through which we can escape the cycle of rebirth and achieve Awakening. It is a tremendous blessing to be born as a human and to have the opportunity to practise the Buddha’s teachings. You must cherish this body and protect it from the pollutions of the world. By engaging in diligent practice, you can purify your body, heart, and spirit. This purification allows the original nature that is inherent in all beings to manifest, providing you with the rare and precious opportunity to realise your true self.

The Priceless Burden We Carry

This body is truly priceless. The fourfold assembly of disciples must cherish and use it wisely. Whether you create goodness or evil, whether you become pure or remain stained, it all begins with the actions of this body. This body is priceless because it carries within it immeasurable and boundless beings. The spirits residing within us act according to the state of our hearts. During the process of your practice, you may encounter various obstacles, such as:

• Karmic creditors: Spirits from your past who seek balance for previous harms.
• Attached spirits: Beings who have latched onto your energy field.
• Demon crowds: Negative influences that seek to disrupt your path.

When these obstacles arise, you should continue your diligent practice at Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. Here, you can resolve these conflicts, invite these spirits to hear the Dharma, and perform Chao Du to help them find peace. This is a great blessing for all beings involved.

Gratitude and the Path to Liberation

The ability to possess this human body is not a coincidence; it is the result of having upheld the Five Precepts in previous lives. Your body, with all its faculties intact, has been nurtured by your parents and supported by countless kind conditions. It is through this intricate web of support that you have arrived at this moment, where you have the opportunity to hear the Buddha’s teachings. This is truly not easy to achieve. Throughout your life, you have endured many disasters, hardships, and suffering. Perhaps you have turned misfortune into fortune, or perhaps you have been protected by the grace of the Buddha or Bodhisattva. Whether you have saved yourself or been saved by the Buddha, you are now here at Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre to practise. This is a rare and profound opportunity.

Walking the Path with Namo Amituofo

Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre has already saved infinite suffering beings, helping them leave suffering behind. The temple has subdued countless demon crowds and continues to provide lectures and teachings to guide all beings. These teachings help to dissolve the defences and anxieties held within the heart, allowing all beings to find a true place of reliance. You are also one of these beings. Therefore, you must trust in the Buddha, make firm vows, and maintain your practice with unwavering determination. Do not let your vow of Bodhicitta fade. Walk alongside the Buddha on the great path to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, and never look back. Namo Amituofo.