The Suffering of Lacking Autonomy

Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju offers these profound insights into the nature of our existence. We often believe that we are the masters of our own lives, yet how often do we find ourselves drifting, unable to control our own thoughts or physical states? This lack of autonomy is the root of our deep-seated suffering.

The Struggle of the Wandering Mind

When you do not wish to fall into a state of being drowsy or drift into other space, your eyes may remain closed, but your spirit wanders away with the environment. This causes your current practice to come to a standstill. Whether you are reciting the Sutras or listening to the Dharma, your head feels empty. When you cannot master your own mind, is this not suffering?

When you wish to diligently perform prostrations and focus your Body, Speech, and Mind upon the Buddha-name, your thoughts suddenly veer off course. You begin to think of other matters, only to suddenly experience awakening and feel deep regret. When you cannot master your own focus, is this not suffering?

The Fragility of the Physical Form

As your body grows heavy and ages, you find you can no longer walk far. Your physical strength is not what it once was, and you require rest. When you attempt to lift objects, you find your strength is insufficient and you must rely on the help of others. You do not wish for this, yet you cannot master your own physical state. Is this not suffering?

Consider the various ways in which we lose control over our own lives: the body weakens, requiring rest and assistance for simple tasks; the mind wanders during practice, pulling us away from the Buddha-name; and emotions and perceptions arise constantly, leaving us struggling to find the stillness to let them go.

The Inevitability of Impermanence

When your karmic creditors and the manifestation of karma appear, the suffering of illness becomes difficult to bear. When you cannot master your own state of being, is this not suffering? When impermanence arrives, the suffering of death manifests. The elements separate, and the pain is unbearable. This is truly suffering! In the six realms of rebirth, where will you go? Every earthly creature may have a share in this cycle. When you cannot master your own destiny, is this not suffering?

You wish to rise early to find time for diligent practice, prostrations, chanting Namo Amituofo, and reciting the Sutras. Yet, you find it difficult to overcome being drowsy and the pull of sleep. You cannot fulfill your wishes. Your spirit is not the master; instead, your body is the master. Is this not suffering? Your emotions and perceptions are constant; you know you should stop them, yet you find it difficult to do so. Is this not suffering? It is suffering indeed!

The Path to True Liberation

My dear students, when you practise at Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, you must change your personality traits and learn to listen. You must transform your heart, adjust your body, and diligently break through your limitations. As long as you can become an awakened being, you can achieve autonomy and be free from suffering.

Namo Amituofo