The True Meaning of the Sangha
Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju
Recorded by Venerable Faxi on October 10, 2016
Venerable Faxi: Sangha? How should I begin to write about this subject? Suddenly, the message revealed that this topic was to be guided by Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju. Namo Amituofo.
Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju: My child, begin writing. Namo Amituofo.
Venerable Faxi: Yes, Teacher. Namo Amituofo.
Beyond the Razor’s Edge
Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju: A member of the Sangha was once an ordinary person. Now, they are a practitioner who seeks to realise the fruits of the path and escape the cycle of karmic rebirth. This is what we call a Sangha member. Does the act of shaving one's head signify the entirety of the path? If one only speaks of shaving the head and only practises the act of shaving, why endure the hardships of leaving the household life? How can one truly be called a teacher of celestial beings and humans if the practice stops at the razor?
Consider the example of . He abandoned his kingdom and renounced his royal status to become a monk. He took the name Dharmakara, cultivated the , and made the Forty-eight Great Vows. With great and profound, heavy vows, he walked the path of a monk. Was his practice merely about shaving his head or wearing the robes? His Compassion, , and Selfless Giving were immeasurable. Through his great vows and great power, he created the of Ultimate Bliss. He widely accepted all suffering spirits from the Saha world, saved infinite beings without fear, and performed virtuous deeds without any attachment to self.
The Four Pillars of the Righteous Path
Furthermore, the most important aspect of being a member of the Sangha is the cultivation of the mind. You must not allow yourself to be stained by the habits of the mundane world. If you have not severed your greed, anger, ignorance, and arrogance, then the name of Sangha is merely a hollow title, and you may even find yourself in the hells. In truth, the practice of a Sangha member is not difficult. It all depends on the state of your heart and your actions.
There is a wonderful saying that serves as a guide for all practitioners:
- as the foundation: Without discipline, there is no stability in your practice.
- Pure Land as the destination: Your ultimate goal is rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
- Observing the mind as the essential: You must constantly monitor your thoughts to ensure they remain pure.
- Virtuous friends as the support: Surround yourself with those who encourage your spiritual growth.
This teaching is profound, but are you truly putting it into practice?
The Call to Sincere
We often hear the words: Pure, equal, right awakening, and compassion; see through and let go, be at ease, and follow conditions. These two segments are sufficient for the practice of a Sangha member. Why is it that when these teachings are passed down, the Sangha members do not embody them? If one does not truly practise, how can one possess a dignified appearance? How can one save beings and help them depart from suffering? If one does not do this, why bother with the appearance of a monk at all? This is because, firstly, they are entangled in deep illness; secondly, they are haunted by the hells; thirdly, they are led astray by the masses; and fourthly, their spirits are controlled by demons. If you have fear, do not take this path, for I fear you will create that is difficult to repay. If you have the boldness, you must walk the righteous path and not deviate, lest you mislead others.
The Buddha’s teachings have been passed down for thousands of years; do not treat them as mere myths. In this third period of the Buddha’s teachings, the Sangha has changed its appearance and become greedy for deviant paths. Where is the true repentance? Although Professor Fang Dongmei said that practice is a form of enjoyment, this does not mean that being a monk is merely about enjoyment, nor does it mean that one should only engage in asceticism. One must find the balance, rather than indulging in desires. My children, be cautious and alert in your practice. Follow the righteous path, sever greed, anger, and ignorance, and above all, do not be arrogant. Do not cling to fame and profit. You must have vows and act upon them. With sincere Faith, Vows, and Practice, you must advance with strength. If you are to practice as a member of the Sangha, remember these words of warning. Namo Amituofo.
Venerable Faxi: Yes, thank you for your compassionate teachings, Teacher. Namo Amituofo.
Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju: Let these words guide your myriad actions. How can you continue to act as you have? The spirits are suffering in confusion. If there is hope, the world will naturally be at peace. Act according to the Truth and the Right Way. Have compassion. My children, you must truly practise. Do not cling to the sensations of . The path ahead is full of light.
Venerable Faxi: Thank you for your great compassion and teachings, Teacher. Namo Amituofo, the vast and mighty power of the Buddha.
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