The State of Serenity
Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju
Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, recorded by Venerable HaiZe on April 1, 2023.
The Gentle Breeze of Serenity
When can one truly attain the state of serenity? Consider the experience of a hot summer day. The sun is blazing with intense heat, yet suddenly, a gentle breeze blows through, bringing with it a refreshing sense of coolness. In that moment, your body and mind feel completely at ease, and the oppressive heat of the day simply vanishes. This is the essence of the serenity we seek in our practice.
The Heart Without Hindrance
To be a true practitioner of the Buddha's path, you must cultivate a heart that is empty and free from all hindrances. When you carry no burdens, you are truly light and free. This state of being is the hallmark of a genuine practitioner who has realised the truth of the . When your heart is empty, you are no longer weighed down by the heavy attachments of the world.
Entering the State of No-Mind
A true practitioner does nothing for the sake of ; everything is done for the benefit of all sentient beings. By entering the state of no-mind, you can attain immeasurable wisdom. The Buddha, in His original nature, has no personal mind—He has no attachments or selfish desires. He manifests various states of mind solely to save suffering beings. This includes:
- The heart of , which seeks to alleviate the suffering of others.The heart of , which finds happiness in the liberation of all beings.The heart of boundless generosity, which gives without expectation of return.
If you possess nothing, you have the space to grow anything. However, if you are burdened by too many possessions or attachments, it becomes difficult to maintain clarity. Therefore, you must learn to let go quickly.
The Path to True Liberation
Serenity is born from the state of nothingness. If your heart is empty, you will naturally be serene. If your heart is full of worldly concerns, it is difficult to find that coolness. To achieve this, you must truly see through the nature of reality and let go of your attachments. You must learn to distinguish clearly between what is illusory and what is real. Do not allow yourself to be trapped in the confusion and illusions of the material world. When you succeed in this, the state of serenity will naturally arise within your heart, and you will find the peace you have been seeking.
Namo Amituofo
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Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
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