The Source of the Physical Body and the Path to True Awakening

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

12 July 2025

The source of this physical body lies in Causal Conditions. It is the result of our connection with our parents, and it is also the manifestation of our connection with the four elements: earth, water, fire, and wind. Within this physical form, where these four elements harmonise, our existence is revealed.

The Weaving of Causal Conditions

These Causal Conditions operate within the framework of karmic conditions and the causes and effects. In the past, we planted various seeds through our thoughts, words, and actions. When the right time, space, and circumstances align, these conditions become ripe. At that moment, the karmic results manifest before us.

Everything in this world proceeds according to these karmic conditions and the causes and effects. The state of our Body-Mind-Spirit is simply the combined manifestation of these many karmic conditions. Ordinary people possess what we call a "karmic body." If the true self is governed by karmic beings, then from the moment of conception, this karmic body begins to operate under the influence of karma.

The Whirlpool of Karma

The cycle of birth, aging, sickness, death is all part of this ongoing process of karma. Karma acts like a powerful, relentless whirlpool. It pulls many beings into its depths, causing them to sink and struggle, making it incredibly difficult to escape.

However, the key to transforming this karma lies entirely within your heart. When you make a vow from your sincere heart—a vow that is greater than your karma—and when you put that vow into genuine practice, you create the opportunity to transform your karma. This is the very essence of the Pure Landpractice.

The Path of True Cultivation

When your vow remains steadfast and you move forward with unwavering determination, you begin the process of purification for your Body-Mind-Spirit. This leads to the following outcomes:

• You elevate the quality of one's spirit, which is the fundamental reason for transforming karma.
• You align your actions with the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way.
• You receive the Buddha's blessings, which empower your practice.

Before you can truly transform your karma, you must put your vow into actual practice. You must change personality traits that are not in accordance with the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. By doing so, you allow the two powers—the self-power of your Pure Landpractice and the Buddha's blessings—to work in harmony. This causes the beings within our bodies to change their hearts and actions.

Saving the Beings Within

When these beings within our bodies no longer create interference, they become willing to accept Chao Du and be saved. This is the practical action of delivering the beings within our bodies. The existence of this temporary body is not merely for your own liberation; it is a vessel to use this "temporary" body to find the "eternal" truth.

By doing so, you simultaneously allow your ancestors, teachers, karmic creditors, and attached spirits to obtain deliverance. This includes the beings with whom you share Collective Karma, all of whom are given the precious opportunity to be saved. Through this practice, you fulfil your duty to save infinite suffering beings, ensuring that your journey leads directly to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Namo Amituofo