Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, recorded and transcribed by ’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.
On the twenty-first of September, 2024, during the noon offering, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju provided these profound teachings on the nature of existence.
The Eternal Essence of the True Self
What is it that is truly unborn and undying? It is your original nature. This true self exists in the state of pure spirit. It is not subject to the limitations of time, space, or physical decay. It is the fundamental reality that remains when all illusions are stripped away.
Why is it that so few people realise their true nature? We live in the Five Turbidities and Evil World, where the environment for purification is challenging, and those who truly have faith in the Buddha are rare. Because of this, the path to is often obscured by the dust of our daily lives.
The Inconceivable Power of Awakening
Realising one's true nature is a quality inherent to all beings. Its essence is defined by three eternal truths:
It is unborn and undying, existing beyond the cycle of birth and death.
It is neither defiled nor pure, remaining untainted by the external world.
It is neither increasing nor decreasing, for it is already complete and perfect.
The function of this true nature is all-knowing and all-capable. These are not mystical powers acquired from the outside; they are the natural, inherent abilities of your own spirit. This is an inconceivable reality that is known only to those who have realised their true nature. Consequently, when those who have awakened manifest these extraordinary capabilities, it is often difficult for others to believe or comprehend.
The Shadows That Obscure Our Light
This brilliant, unborn, and undying light of the spirit has been obscured for aeons by the weight of our . It has become dim and seemingly ineffective. Our true nature is covered and polluted by various layers of ignorance, including:
Our rigid personalities and deep-seated habits.
The : Greed, Anger, Ignorance, Arrogance, and Doubt.
The : wealth, lust, fame, food, and sleep.
These attachments create endless suffering and accumulate heavy karmic debts. We allow the cycle of birth, aging, sickness, and death to replace the cool, refreshing, and immortal freedom that is our natural birthright. However, all of this can be reversed. Through diligent, pure, and unpolluted practice, we can gradually rediscover this light until it shines forth in its entirety.
The Sanctuary of Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre
Today, at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, we are blessed by the presence of Amitabha Buddha, whose body encompasses the entire Realm. Here, the Wisdom, virtues, auspicious characteristics, and merits of the Buddha are fully present and complete.
In the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, the spirit of Amitabha Buddha is also unborn and undying. For ten kalpas, He has been fulfilling His Forty-eight Great Vows, working tirelessly to save beings. He is constantly receiving beings from the worldly realm, from the ten directions of the Dharma Realm, and from the endless void. As these beings enter the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, they are finally able to realise their true nature and achieve complete liberation.
These opportunities are available to you right now at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. It is my sincere hope that all sentient beings with karmic affinity will see and hear these truths, and that you will come to seek the Dharma, engage in diligent practice, and finally see your true nature.
