Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, recorded by Venerable HaiZe.
May 5, 2023.
For the fourfold assembly of disciples, the most essential task in your practice today is to work diligently to overcome the various karmic phenomena and manifestations that have appeared before you. These are not mere coincidences; they are the source of the interferences and obstacles that hinder your spiritual progress. You must face them with courage and clarity.
The Reality of Karmic Obstacles
The manifestation of these karmic phenomena is the direct result of the laws of and cause and effect. It is often the case that your are seeking balance for past harms, or that you are being affected by attached spirits or demon crowds drawn to the state of your body, speech, and mind. When these obstacles arise, they create a heavy burden that can feel insurmountable. However, you must understand that these beings are suffering, and their presence is a reflection of the interconnectedness of all lives across time.
The Necessity of Willingness to Reconcile
If you wish to truly resolve these interferences and remove the obstacles from your path, there must be a genuine willingness to reconcile. This is the most critical step. Without this mutual willingness, the karmic knots remain tied, and the negative karma continues to cycle. Once this willingness is established, the temple can perform the necessary to help resolve these deep-seated grievances and negative karma. Without this process, these disturbances will remain, and your practice will continue to face unnecessary friction.
Transforming the Mind Through Practice
Practice is the process of transforming your mind through various methods. It is not merely about performing rituals, but about fundamentally changing your mental state. You must cultivate the following:
:
Let your heart open to all beings, recognising their suffering as your own. and Wisdom:
Strive to cultivate both simultaneously, as they are the foundation of a stable practice.Accumulation of Merit: Through consistent effort, you build the spiritual wealth necessary to resolve conflicts with other beings.
By listening to the sutras and hearing the , you come to understand the profound suffering caused by the laws of karma and cause and effect. You learn that there are effective methods to alleviate this suffering, and you gain the precious knowledge that and the of Ultimate Bliss exist as a refuge for all.
The Grace of Namo Amituofo at Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
At Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, we are uniquely blessed. Because Namo Amituofo is residing here, and because we are guided and cared for by Practitioner Su, who has realised his true nature, we have access to a rare spiritual environment. Through the of Practitioner Su, and with Namo Amituofo personally following to lead beings, many are receiving the benefit of Chao Du. This includes the karmic creditors, attached spirits, and demon crowds residing within the fourfold assembly of disciples. You are the fortunate ones who have frequent opportunities to receive this deliverance.
As long as you and these beings are willing to accept this resolution, Namo Amituofo is always there. His golden arms are forever lowered, and his body radiates golden light to lead beings. Depending on the individual circumstances of each being, they may be led to rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, or to the realms of humans and heavens, ensuring they do not fall into the Three Evil Realms. This is a message of immense hope and a blessing that everyone must know.
