Recorded and transcribed by ’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe
28 February 2025, Second Session
Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju’s teachings:
The Aspiration for a Harmonious World
A world of harmony is the deepest aspiration of the human heart. In such a world, every individual is embraced and accepted, allowing the heart to naturally find its own stillness. When the mind is free from turbulence and agitation, it creates the perfect environment for purification and spiritual practice. This is the foundation upon which true progress is built.
Those who possess inner harmony naturally embody a deep sense of meditative concentration. They remain undisturbed by the chaotic influences of the external world. Rather than being swayed by their surroundings, they possess the power to transform those surroundings through their own steady presence. If you encounter someone who is restless, anxious, or filled with anger, your own inner peace can act as a catalyst, helping them to settle into a state of calm and stability.
The Pillars of Inner Stability
A truly harmonious world must be sustained by an unwavering force of stability—a force that anchors the hearts of all who dwell within it. This strength does not arise from external circumstances, but from the cultivation of profound inner qualities. These qualities include:
: The heartfelt desire to alleviate the suffering of all beings.
Wisdom (Prajna): The clear, unobstructed understanding of the truth of existence.
Inclusivity: The capacity to embrace all beings with an open and non-judgmental heart.
Mind-capacity: The vastness of spirit that can contain and transcend all worldly conflicts.
: A natural, unconditioned happiness that arises from a pure heart.
The Spirit of Giving: The willingness to let go of attachments and serve others selflessly.
Goodness: A fundamental orientation toward virtue in every thought and action.
Purity: A state of being free from the stains of greed, anger, and ignorance.
The six-character Buddha-name of Namo Amituofo acts as a protective shield, constantly blessing and safeguarding those who chant it. As long as you have faith in the Buddha, continue your practice of chanting, and generate the (Enlightenment) mind, you are always under the protection of Namo Amituofo. By focusing your mind entirely on this one practice, you align yourself with the infinite light of the of Ultimate Bliss.
The Legacy of the Buddha-Name
When you personally receive the benefits of the from chanting—even reaching the point where you realise one's true nature and attain Buddhahood—you become a vessel for the Dharma. You ensure that the sacred Buddha-name of Namo Amituofo, the teachings of the Buddha, and the promise of the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss are passed down through generations. Through your dedication, countless beings and fellow practitioners will receive the benefits of the Dharma, finding their way to reside in that magnificent Buddha-land.
Why is it that the realms of the Buddha or , and the places where the patriarchs and venerable masters dwell, are always filled with such profound harmony? It is entirely because of their hearts. Their hearts are perfectly pure and perfectly good. Within them, there is constant meditative concentration. The light of their compassion, Wisdom (Prajna), and virtuous conduct radiates throughout their entire being, permeating every corner of their land and touching every being they encounter. This is what manifests a world of true harmony.
The Pure Land Within
If you can transform your own body into a pure, harmonious world through the practice of chanting, you will witness a miraculous change. The beings within our bodies will become filled with harmony and joy. This physical form will no longer be subject to the same decay of aging and illness, for the spirit never dies. By chanting with a sincere heart, you and the beings within our bodies will together be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
