The Profound Meaning of Understanding

During the Thrice Yearning Ceremony and the Noon Offering, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju provided these essential teachings on the nature of understanding.

The Call to True Understanding

My dear children, have you truly understood? I ask you to reflect deeply upon the profound explanations of the Dharma provided by Namo Amituofo. Consider the earnest words of encouragement I have offered you, word by word and sentence by sentence, and reflect upon the tireless, patient guidance provided by Practitioner Su. These teachings are the map for your journey, yet they are only effective if they penetrate your heart and mind.

The Three Levels of Comprehension

There are three ways in which one may receive these teachings, and each leads to a different destination:

• If you listen but do not understand: You cannot truly believe or comprehend the path. Consequently, your practice will deviate from the right path, and you will never reach the state of verification.
• If you listen but only half-understand: Your faith and comprehension remain shallow. When tests arise in your practice, you will fail to pass them. You will be forced to face these tests again and again, and the time for your ultimate verification remains distant.
• If you listen and truly understand: Your faith and comprehension will be complete. You will move forward with a straight heart. Tests will no longer be seen as obstacles, and you will pass through every gate with ease. Eventually, you will realise your true nature and attain the fruit of Buddhahood.

The Urgency of the Path

If you have not yet listened, and therefore do not understand, you will remain trapped in the worldly cycle of rebirth, suffering from the endless weight of karma. What kind of practitioner do you wish to be? You must exert yourselves without ceasing and engage in diligent practice. Do not waste the precious time we have at Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre.

The Eternal Treasure of the Moment

Every second and every moment is a treasure. If you can realise your true nature in a single instant, you will have fulfilled the wait of a hundred thousand kalpas. You will attain the eternal Buddha nature within you, and you will be able to save the world and guide all beings into the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This message was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

Namo Amituofo