The Virtue of Being Down-to-Earth in Practice
Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju
The Foundation of a Steady Path
Being down-to-earth is not merely a habit; it is an essential part of one's character and a fundamental trait of a noble personality. A person who is down-to-earth walks firmly upon the ground. They do not seek shortcuts, nor do they look for loopholes in the path of practice. Instead, they move forward one step at a time. Although this approach may not offer the speed of flying or the rapid pace of running, it ensures that every step taken is steady and secure. If you can follow the teachings faithfully, ensuring that every step you take is grounded and free from hypocrisy or restlessness, you will be able to reap the true benefits of the Buddha’s teachings.
The Practice of Daily Lessons
To be down-to-earth means to approach your daily practice with absolute sincerity. This sincerity must be reflected in every aspect of your spiritual life:
- Morning service: Approach your morning service with a focused and honest heart, treating it as the foundation of your day.
- Prostrations: When you bow to the Buddha, every single movement must be fully immersed in the Buddha-name. Do not let your mind wander; let your body and mind be one with the practice.
- Walking meditation: As you chant Buddha's name while walking, every word and every phrase of the Buddha-name must be clear and distinct. Let these sounds be accompanied by steady, deliberate steps as you continue your journey forward.
- Recite the Sutras: Keep your heart anchored firmly in the sutra text. Ensure that every word and every sentence is recited with absolute clarity, allowing the Wisdom (Prajna) of the sutras to penetrate your mind.
When you have completed your daily practice in this manner, you will feel a sense of stability and peace within your heart. You will receive the of Namo Amituofo—Being bathed in Buddha light, experiencing deep purification, and feeling filled with positive energy. This is a vital aspect of your spiritual journey and serves as the essential provisions for your practice. You must be down-to-earth in every single task to receive these profound benefits.
Transforming
To be down-to-earth is to be committed to true self-transformation. You must be willing to change your personality traits and cut off the Greed, Anger, Ignorance, Arrogance, and Doubt, as well as transcend the wealth, lust, fame, food, and sleep. Once your personality begins to change, the qualities of your original nature will naturally manifest:
- and Wisdom (Prajna): These will arise from within as your heart opens.
- and Generosity: You will find it easier to let go of attachments and share with others.
- Mind-capacity and Tolerance: Your heart will expand, allowing you to embrace all beings with patience and understanding.
As you become filled with joy, it will be impossible to hide the smile on your face. Furthermore, the states of or the interference of external spaces will naturally be improved or eliminated. By practising in this way, you will be protected by the Dragon and Heaven Dharma Protectors and earn the respect of your . In many cases, this sincerity can even lead to the transformation of your . Once your karma is transformed, you are moving steadily toward becoming an awakened being.
The Path to Rebirth
Being down-to-earth in your practice will naturally lead you to these benefits, allowing you to escape the cycle of the six realms of rebirth. It will enable you to fulfil your deepest wish: to be reborn in the of Ultimate Bliss. Remember, being down-to-earth in your daily practice is a necessary condition for achieving success on the path to Buddhahood. Namo Amituofo.
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Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
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