The Virtue of Courtesy and Yielding

The Essence of Courtesy and Yielding

These teachings were shared by Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju during the Noon Offering of the Thrice Yearning Ceremony on February 4, 2022, as recorded by Venerable HaiZe. To walk the path of the practitioner, one must grasp the profound meaning of courtesy and yielding. These are not merely social graces, but fundamental expressions of a purified heart.

Courtesy is the outward expression of respect, politeness, and proper conduct in all interactions. It is the manifestation of an inner recognition of the Buddha-nature in all beings. Yielding is the internal state of being humble and modest. It is the willingness to step back, to give way, and to place the needs of others before one's own ego, rooted in a heart that is truly humble and modest.

The Modern Struggle for Supremacy

My dear children, have you perhaps forgotten the peace, gratitude, and deep satisfaction that arise when you truly practise yielding? In the modern world, humanity has become accustomed to a life defined by constant friction and competition. We have lost our way in the pursuit of worldly status, driven to outperform those around us, engage in endless struggles, and fixate on social rankings.

We have become obsessed with the need to be right, arguing over who is correct and who is wrong, forgetting that such attachments only serve to harden the ego. Because of these habits, many have lost the refined cultivation of courtesy and yielding. Some have even reached a point where they have never heard these words, or if they have, they no longer understand their true, transformative significance.

The True Strength of a Humble Heart

You might ask, does yielding not make one weak? On the contrary, those who are able to yield to others possess a heart that is abundant, stable, and profoundly secure. They do not need to fight for position because they are already at peace with their true nature. Therefore, the one who yields is, in truth, the greatest among us.

They are the true victor, for they have conquered the greatest enemy—the ego. They possess a vast mind-capacity, allowing them to encompass all beings with compassion. It takes immense courage to let go of one's own desires for the sake of harmony. They understand that true power lies in the ability to give, not to take.

Cultivating the Heart of a Practitioner

Practising courtesy and yielding is a direct method for increasing your own virtue. When you yield, you create an environment where relationships can flourish in harmony. This is not optional for those on the path to awakening; it is an essential heart-action that every practitioner must cultivate.

As you move through your day, remember to look inward. Are you holding onto the need to be first, or are you opening your heart to the beauty of yielding? By choosing the latter, you align yourself with the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. May you always find the strength to be humble, the grace to be courteous, and the wisdom to yield, as you walk the path toward rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Namo Amituofo