The True Meaning of Relaxation
Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju
During the solemnity of the and the Noon Offering, we are invited to reflect deeply upon the nature of our daily lives and the state of our minds. Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju offers us a vital perspective on what it truly means to be at ease.
The Worldly Pursuit of Ease
People in the world often seek relief from their daily burdens through various external means. They look forward to taking holidays to escape their responsibilities, seeking relaxation to soothe their weary minds, going on vacations to change their scenery, or travelling to distant places in search of happiness.
Why do people feel such a pressing need for these escapes? It is because they still possess a strong sense of self. They live with the ego as their master, and they believe that their own personal comfort and satisfaction must be the primary focus of their existence.
The Vow of the Practitioner
For the dedicated practitioner, however, the concept of a holiday, a vacation, or a need to escape does not exist. Why is this the case? It is because the practitioner has realised the state of . They no longer live for their own personal gratification or to satisfy the cravings of the ego.
Instead, they place all beings at the centre of their lives. They live solely to save the world and to save all beings from the endless cycle of suffering. Their life is a continuous, compassionate offering.
Returning to the True Self
What, then, is the true meaning of relaxation? It is found within the true self. In the state of the true self, relaxation is not an activity or a destination; it is the natural, inherent condition of our original nature. It does not require external conditions, temporary escapes, or the pursuit of pleasure to manifest. It is always there, waiting for us to return to it.
Transcending the Duality of Tight and Loose
We often fall into the trap of making discriminations, such as the concepts of being "tight" and being "loose." We feel that because we have been "tight" or stressed, we must seek "relaxation" to compensate. But consider this: if there were no "tightness" in the first place, would there be a need for "relaxation"? These are merely two different appearances, two different ways of living, and two different life paths.
Why not live with consistency? Why not dwell in a harmonious world where there is no "self" and no "other"? When you return to your true self, you will realise that "tight" and "loose" are one and the same. This is the ultimate harmony of the true self.
Recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.
Namo Amituofo
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About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library