The Western Lotus and the Path of Practice
Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju
Recorded by Venerable HaiZe on 25 September 2021.
The Birth of the Western Lotus
As we chant the name of Namo Amituofo, a lotus flower begins to grow in the Eight Virtues Pond of the of Ultimate Bliss. Each lotus is unique, varying in size and colour. These differences are not random; they are a direct reflection of your own spiritual journey.
The Cultivation of the Heart
The state of your lotus depends on three primary factors: the depth of your karmic roots, the strength of your diligent practice, and the cultivation of your heart. To ensure your lotus blooms magnificently in the Western Pure Land, you must align yourself with the Buddha-heart, the Buddha-vow, and the Buddha-actions. These are the essential foundations for your lotus to flourish.
The Wilting of the Lotus
If you retreat from your practice, allow resentment to arise, or become consumed by the suffering of old age and illness, your lotus will lose its vitality. It will appear weak, withered, and drooping. Furthermore, if you fail to correct your arrogance, your lotus will struggle to unfold. Its leaves will shrink, and the flower will remain fragile, unable to bloom fully.
The Fragrance of
However, if you are fiercely diligent and move straight ahead, your path will change. If you dedicate your heart to helping all beings without fearing hardship, and if you break through the suffering within your own body and mind, your lotus will blossom. It will release a divine fragrance, a natural transmission of the heart’s purity. This is the true result of your devotion. Namo Amituofo.
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About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library