The Profound Benefits of Diligent Practice

Recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

On the second day of February in the year 2024, during the second session of the Thrice Yearning Ceremony, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju provided these essential teachings on the nature of diligent practice.

The Path of Unwavering Diligence

Diligent practice is beneficial. A practitioner who maintains this effort continuously without retreating benefits both oneself and all beings. When this is supported by perseverance and a steadfast heart, one can move forward and achieve success.

If a practitioner can overcome laziness, indulgence, and procrastination, they will be in sync with their true self. By remaining grounded and not being led astray by external environments, nor disturbed by the Body, Speech, and Mind of others, one continues straight ahead. This is what a practitioner ought to do.

The Constant Flow of Chanting

Practitioners who vow to be reborn in the Western Pure Land and seek to realise their true self must be diligent and persistent. This means chanting Namo Amituofo 24/7 without interruption, which is the simultaneous cultivation of meditative concentration and wisdom.

One may chant Namo Amituofo while performing tasks to help focus and improve efficiency. Through chanting, one purifies the heart and avoids further defilement, thereby elevating the quality of one's spirit.

Awakening to the Universal Truth

Diligent practice is beneficial. It allows one to clearly see the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. It assists in awakening, ensuring one is no longer lost in the world of the internet, emotions, and the Five Desires. By stopping evil and embracing goodness, and by removing defilements and attaining purity, one can receive the teachings from Namo Amituofo and Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju.

Through these teachings, one realises the urgency of changing one's ways and personality traits, understanding that saving other beings is saving oneself.

Transcending the Self through Practice

Diligent practice is beneficial. When facing drowsiness, entering different spaces, or encountering karmic tests, one can see one's own selfishness, personality, ego-attachment, and erroneous views. One must quickly change and improve, breaking through these barriers through diligent practice.

Progress in practice is found in changing one's personality and in persistent, diligent practice.

Namo Amituofo