The Scenery of the Heart and the Path to Stability
Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju
Recorded during the Thrice Yearning Ceremony, February 1, 2025
Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.
On the first of February, 2025, during the noon offering, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju provided the following teachings:
The Illusion of the Ordinary Heart
The heart and the spirit reside together within . For those who have not yet realised their true nature, the heart remains trapped within the realm of , caught in the web of visible thoughts and actions. The world around us is a kaleidoscope of endless change. Nothing is ever truly still, and the constant flux of events can be dizzying to the observer.
We perceive the past, the present, and the future as distinct entities. In truth, these three dimensions of time are not separate; they are layered within the heart, creating what we call the false scenery of the body and mind. Within this false scenery, we witness a chaotic parade of states. Goodness and evil are inextricably mixed within us. One moment we are kind, the next we are cruel; one moment we are happy, the next we are miserable. Our likes and dislikes are all anchored in this restless heart.
The Turbulence of Subjective Views
Sometimes this heart listens to reason, but more often, it is stubborn, clinging tightly to its own subjective views and insisting on its own perspective. It lacks true stability, swaying between its own whims and the opinions of others, never finding a moment of genuine peace. We are often accompanied by our family members, playing out various roles in this worldly drama.
At times, we act like a cleaner, attempting to sweep away the debris of our experiences. We cycle through a spectrum of emotions: , when things go our way; anger, when we encounter obstacles; sorrow, when we face loss; and happiness, when we find temporary satisfaction.
The Stable Heart of the Practitioner
Yet, there is another kind of heart—a stable heart. Regardless of the time or the circumstances, this heart remains unmoved. While the body may move and change in a thousand ways, the heart stays still. This is the heart of one who has attained meditative concentration. In this state, only the name of Namo Amituofo circles continuously within.
Day after day, year after year, we persist in our practice. Then, one day, the heart truly comes to a rest. The compassionate and magnificent appears before us. Our chanting of the Buddha’s name never falters. The Buddha looks at us with a gentle smile, and we, too, smile as we ascend the lotus throne.
The Fulfillment of the Vow
In that instant, the world transforms. Bright, golden light shines everywhere, illuminating the path ahead. In this life, our deepest wish is fulfilled: through the power of chanting Namo Amituofo, we are reborn in the of Ultimate Bliss. Namo Amituofo.
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Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
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