The True Nature of Wealth and the Path to Liberation
Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju
May 19, 2019, Thrice Yearning Ceremony
On the nineteenth of May, 2019, during the midday offering of the , Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju provided these essential teachings on the nature of wealth.
The Illusion of Material Pursuit
Wealth is a necessity of life in this world, and it is something we cannot entirely do without. However, there is a common saying in this world: people die for the sake of wealth, just as birds perish in their pursuit of food. This simple observation captures the essence of the suffering inherent in our worldly existence. We spend our lives busy and lost in the pursuit of riches, never feeling that we have enough. Yet, when we have little, it is difficult to carry out our duties or practise the effectively.
The Limitations of Worldly Possessions
Although wealth is an external object, being without it makes every step of our journey difficult. While having wealth allows us to purchase what we desire, it remains fundamentally limited. It cannot purchase life, nor can it prevent death. Despite our material success, we still suffer from the inevitable realities of old age, sickness, and death. We remain trapped within the cycle of rebirth, and we cannot escape the consequences of our past actions. We are often swept away by our into the six realms of existence, constantly preoccupied with the acquisition of wealth.
Aligning with the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way
How can we break free from this cycle? We must learn to rectify our Body, Speech, and Mind. We must ensure that our actions are free from bias, evil, and selfishness. By remaining steadfast on the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way, we find the moment of true . This is the time when we truly begin to understand the nature of our existence. We must shift our focus from material gain to the accumulation of Dharma wealth, which is the only true treasure that sustains us on our spiritual journey.
The Power of Generosity and Merit
We must learn to value the Dharma and the support of the Dharma protectors. Do not let the pursuit of wealth weigh heavily upon your heart. Do not be overly concerned with how much you give; rather, focus on the sincerity of your heart. Every act of Generosity is an offering to all beings. By practising broad and expansive vows, we can contribute to the construction of temples and the development of the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre and the Namo Amituofo Village. These sacred spaces allow the light of the Buddha to manifest in this world, helping all beings leave suffering behind and find true happiness.
Dedication to the Western Pure Land
Our ultimate goal is to reach the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. All the merit and virtue we accumulate through our practice should be dedicated to this noble end. By doing so, we nourish the lotus flowers in the Western Land, ensuring our successful rebirth. Let us hold firmly to our vows and walk the path toward the West with a clear and focused heart. This teaching was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.
Namo Amituofo
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