The Teachings of Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju on Joy

These teachings were provided by Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju during the first session of the Thrice Yearning Ceremony on 24 January 2025. This record was transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

The Cycle of Worldly Emotions

Joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness are the reflections of life in this world. The body's reaction to the environment is part of the laws of karma and cause and effect. These emotions can act as both the cause and the result of our experiences. When we allow ourselves to be swayed by these fluctuating states, we are merely responding to the momentum of our past actions.

The Boundless Heart of the Bodhisattva

In contrast, the Four Immeasurables—Compassion, Joy, and Selfless Giving—represent the conduct of Bodhisattvas as they walk through this world. These qualities are the natural joy that manifests after the purification of one's Body-Mind-Spirit. Compassion means seeing the suffering of beings, removing their suffering and bestowing happiness, allowing them to leave suffering behind and gain happiness. When a Bodhisattva sees beings experiencing joy, they also feel genuine joy.

The Divergent Paths of Joy

Worldly joy and the joy of a Bodhisattva are fundamentally different. These two types of joy lead to different results because the hearts behind them are distinct. The former remains the heart of a being bound by karma, which does not lead to liberation. The latter is the heart and action of a Bodhisattva, a kind and purified being. The importance of the heart in our spiritual journey is evident here.

The Path to Awakening Through the Buddha-name

Practice begins by putting in the work at the level of the heart, because the heart can drive changes in the body and spirit, moving them towards goodness and purity. Chanting Namo Amituofo is the purest of all practices—it is the goodness within goodness. By relying on the Buddha's blessing, one attains the fruit of purity and goodness.

One should diligently chant Namo Amituofo and make good use of the Buddha-name. By receiving the Buddha's blessing, you can elevate the quality of your spirit and advance steadily towards becoming an awakened being.

Namo Amituofo