The Suffering of Beings: Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju

Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju offers these profound insights during the Thrice Yearning Ceremony, recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe. On this day, we reflect upon the nature of existence and the heavy burdens that weigh upon the hearts of all beings.

The Chains of Attachment

Why do beings suffer so deeply? The root of this suffering lies in our inability to see through the illusions of this world and our refusal to let go of what is transient. We cling tightly to our physical forms, identifying strongly with the self and the myriad sensations that arise from it. Because we are trapped within these personal feelings and attachments, we cannot transcend our own ego. We remain bound by our own perceptions, unable to release the selfish desires that keep us tethered to a life of dissatisfaction.

The Weight of Karmic Debt

Much of our suffering stems from the negative causes we create, often without even realising it. We act out of ignorance, unaware that every negative action plants a seed that will inevitably ripen into evil consequences. Consequently, we find ourselves caught in the endless cycle of being reincarnated, wandering through the six realms of existence. In this state, true liberation remains elusive, as we are constantly driven by the momentum of our past actions, unable to break free from the consequences of our own deeds.

The Forgotten Treasure Within

We suffer because we do not recognise the Buddha-nature that resides within our own true self. We possess the same potential as the Buddhas, yet we look outward, seeking satisfaction in external desires and worldly dependencies. Because these things are subject to impermanence and changing Causal Conditions, our hearts are never at peace. We live in a state of constant anxiety, fearing loss and forever chasing after fleeting pleasures that can never truly fulfil us.

The Inevitable Cycle

The physical body is subject to the inescapable laws of birth, aging, sickness, death. We have no control over these processes; we cannot stop the decline of the body. Instead, we allow our karma and our confusion to take the lead, stepping closer to the end of our lives with every passing moment. This is a profound suffering that affects the body, the mind, and the spirit. We suffer because we know that we are not the masters of our own existence, yet we lack the strength to break through these limitations.

The Compassionate Refuge

The greatest tragedy is that we do not know Namo Amituofo. We are unaware of the magnificence of the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss and the immense benefits of chanting Buddha's name. However, you should know that Namo Amituofo is truly present here at Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. The Buddha is always ready to guide and receive beings, helping you to leave suffering behind and find true happiness. As long as you have faith and come to the temple, you will find the path to liberation and the method to dissolve all suffering.

Namo Amituofo