The Profound State of Serenity

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

Serenity is a state of being that is both calm and tranquil. When your heart is free from the ripples of desire and distraction, you can maintain your Body-Mind-Spirit in this state of serenity. In the context of your spiritual practice, when you are in a state of purification, serenity will naturally manifest. At this moment, your sensitivity increases, and you become capable of perceiving the conditions surrounding you with great clarity.

The Manifestation of Inner Wisdom

Conversely, when your practice is in a state of contamination—filled with the desire for gain, loss, or deluded thoughts—you are not in a state of purification. In such moments, serenity vanishes, and you will instead manifest a heart that is restless, unstable, and agitated. However, when you possess true meditative concentration and wisdom, your appearance will naturally change. Beyond the outward appearance of serenity, the light of your wisdom can also inspire and influence other sentient beings. When they see your countenance, they will naturally feel a sense of respect. This is the natural outward manifestation of the cultivation and refinement you have achieved through your practice.

A Stabilizing Force for All Beings

Serenity is a quiet, powerful force that can stabilize the life within its environment. It brings a sense of peace to everything it touches, including the mountains, rivers, and the vast earth; the flowers, trees, and all forms of vegetation; the people who reside within the space; the various buildings and structures that make up the environment; and even the unseen ghost deities and sentient beings with karmic affinity who are not visible to the physical eyes. All of these beings and elements will reflect the same state of tranquility when they are bathed in this serene atmosphere.

The Purest Environment for Growth

At the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Goombungee, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia, Namo Amituofo truly abides. Because the Buddha-light shines everywhere, it allows the masses to wash away their impurities and cultivate goodness. The restless and anxious heart is thereby brought to a state of stability. At the same time, negative energy and forces are transformed. Because the Buddha-light is a powerful and positive energy, it is capable of subduing negative influences. Whether it is day or night, this Buddha-light flows continuously without end.

Furthermore, the Buddha-name is broadcast 24/7, and the Buddha's blessings are infused within it. Therefore, the Buddha-light and the Buddha-name are what allow the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre to remain within a magnetic field of stability and serenity. The more a place is inhabited by Buddhas or Bodhisattvas, those who have realised their true nature, and those who have attained true skills in their practice, the more this serenity will manifest. This is true of all famous ancient temples and sacred mountains.

The Preciousness of the Right Path

Although there are many sentient beings present, the energy and the power of merit naturally settle the hearts of all beings and bring peace to their actions. This is the preciousness of being able to encounter Buddhas or Bodhisattvas, those who have realised their true nature, and true practitioners. By following the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way, you too can find this lasting peace.

Namo Amituofo