The Soaring Heart: A Lesson on Grounded Practice

The Restless Spirit

Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, recorded by Venerable HaiZe. The human heart often feels restless, much like a bird yearning to spread its wings and fly high into the vast sky. It desires to soar above the world, hoping to see landscapes that remain hidden from ordinary eyes and to hear subtle sounds that others cannot perceive. This soaring heart yearns to rush forward, seeking to break free from the constraints of the physical body that feels trapped in the mundane routines of daily life. It longs to feel the wind against its face, chasing the thrill of freedom and the exhilaration of the unknown.

The Peril of the Unprepared

However, you must be extremely cautious. Before you have become an awakened being, your wings are not yet strong enough to endure the immense pressures of high-altitude flight. If you rush forward without the guidance of wisdom, you will inevitably suffer injury. If you move too quickly without the grace of patience, you will surely stumble and fall. The path to spiritual maturity requires a foundation that is built slowly and carefully, rather than through impulsive leaps into the unknown.

The Compassion of the Buddha or Bodhisattva

The Buddha or Bodhisattva and I understand that you, our dear children, wish to taste the unknown world. Yet, we must ask: are these fleeting, illusory experiences truly worth the price of your precious life? Is it worth the suffering you endure before you return to the presence of the Buddha or Bodhisattva, asking them to heal your wounded body, mind, and spirit? The Buddha or Bodhisattva offer constant, gentle warnings. They tell you what to avoid and what to embrace, all because they do not wish to see you suffer. Yet, until you have learned to transform karma, you will still encounter the challenges you have sown in the past. Even if you fall and are left bruised and battered, you must endure this process to learn the necessary lessons.

The Path of Grounded Practice

My dear children, it is time to calm your soaring heart. You must recognise the truth of reality and see things as they truly are. Practise with your feet firmly planted on the ground, and move forward step by step. By maintaining this steady, consistent effort, you will find the stability required to reach your destination. Namo Amituofo.