The Radiance of the Awakened Heart
Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju
Second Session of the Thrice Yearning Ceremony, Australia, 2019
The Sovereign Power of the Heart
Brightness and darkness are not merely external conditions that we encounter in the world; they are governed entirely by the heart. When the heart is clear and pure, the light of wisdom shines forth. Conversely, when the heart is clouded by ignorance and attachment, the light is extinguished. The heart is the master of our entire existence, and it determines whether we dwell in the shadows of samsara or the brilliant light of the Buddha.
The Four Pillars of Clarity
You may ask, where can this brightness be found? It is not hidden in some distant realm, but is present within the fundamental aspects of your practice. It is found in:
- Faith: The unwavering belief in the power of Namo Amituofo and the of Ultimate Bliss.
- Understanding: The deep realisation of the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way.
- Practice: The diligent application of the Buddha's teachings in your daily life.
- Realisation: The direct experience of your true nature.
This light is also found in the heart, in the Buddha, and in all sentient beings. It is the process of turning darkness into brightness, of seeing the light even where there was none before.
Purifying the Inner Dimensions
To truly reach this state of clarity, one must cultivate brightness across every dimension of . This involves the purification of the heart, , the spirit, and the . When the inner and outer dimensions are both illuminated, the practitioner becomes crystal clear and transparent. It is through this total purification that one finally beholds the true light. This brightness has the power to dissolve the darkness of ignorance, allowing one to realise their true nature as an awakened being.
The Natural State of Emptiness
In this human world, the only true brightness is the clarity of the heart. The Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss is the ultimate realm of light and purity. Only those who have attained this clarity are able to enter that sacred space. Upon entering the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, one reaches the ultimate state, where all extremes are exhausted and one perceives the true nature of emptiness. In this state, the self is emptiness, and emptiness is the self. This non-duality is the natural, original state of all things.
Brightness is natural, while darkness is merely a temporary obstruction. Both are manifestations of the heart. Why then, should we choose to abandon this bright heart and wander far from our original nature? By turning from darkness to light, we transform our hearts and actions, and in doing so, we find our way home. This teaching was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.
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About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library