The Profound Nature of the Buddha-land

Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

September 18, 2022.

Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju offers these teachings:

The Distinction of the Buddha-land

The Buddha-land is fundamentally distinct from the ordinary spaces we inhabit in our daily lives. Within the Buddha-land, the heart, vows, and actions of the Buddha are ever-present. It is a sacred space filled with the aspirations of countless beings who are seeking deliverance from their suffering.

In the ordinary world, space is crowded with beings, yet the presence of the Buddha is elusive and difficult to encounter. Many wander through their lives without ever truly connecting with the light of the Dharma.

The Radiance of Hsiang Kuang

At the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, the light of the Buddha shines everywhere, illuminating every corner of this sanctuary. While the fourfold assembly of disciples may sometimes remain unaware of this profound radiance, the spirit realm beings perceive it with immense joy and gratitude.

The Buddha-land is a sanctuary where the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas reside, where the patriarchs and venerable masters dwell, and where the Dragon and Heaven Dharma Protectors stand guard to protect the teachings.

The Path of Diligent Practice

If you, as a practitioner, truly wish to seek the Dharma with diligent practice, you must cultivate your own strength. This requires:

• Sufficient faith in the path of the Pure Land.
• A firm will that does not waver in the face of adversity.
• A steadfast determination to pursue purification and breakthrough in your daily life.

When you aspire to reach the state of an awakened being, to save yourself, and to save others, you will certainly receive the Buddha's blessings to support your journey.

The Rarity of this Opportunity

However, if your faith is insufficient, if your vows are weak, or if your practice lacks consistency, you must rouse yourself and move forward immediately. Do not let this precious opportunity for practice in the Buddha-land slip away. To practise in the Buddha-land is an opportunity that is difficult to encounter in millions of years.

You must make good use of the two powers of the Pure Land: your own self-power and the Buddha's power. When these two are held together, your own strength arises, and the Buddha's power assists you, leading you surely to the time of your awakening.

Namo Amituofo