The Wisdom of Joyful Letting Go
Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju
Third Session of the Thrice Yearning Ceremony, 17 November 2019
The Path to an Open Heart
To live with a joyful heart is to truly open one's spirit. In the original state of our true self, there is nothing to hold onto; the heart is naturally empty and vast. However, when we create issues where none exist, we disturb our own peace. This self-created disturbance is precisely what draws us back into the cycle of reincarnation, binding us tightly within the heavy chains of . If you wish to break free, you must learn the profound art of joyful letting go.
When you let go of the myriad attachments of this world, you paradoxically gain everything. Between the act of letting go and the act of gaining lies the fundamental truth of impermanence. Everything in this world is transient, like floating clouds and a light breeze. How, then, should we navigate this illusory human world? The answer is simple yet deep: by practising joyful letting go, you can pass through the challenges of life with ease and grace.
Living Without Attachment
Strive to keep nothing in your heart. Many people believe that to achieve something, one must constantly act and grasp. In reality, the state of non-action is the most powerful way to achieve everything. When you do not attach yourself to the formless, the true form of reality will arise naturally. It is not difficult to remain unstained by the impurities of this world if you understand the nature of .
If there is to cling to, where can impurity take hold? By releasing the ego, you become like a lotus flower, rising above the mud, untouched and pure. The most effective way to maintain this purity is to chant the Buddha-name. You must chant with sincerity, allowing the sound to resonate within your very being. Keep your pure thoughts flowing continuously, without interruption.
The Power of the Buddha-Name
When you chant in this way, the purification of occurs naturally, and your heart becomes clear and luminous. This is the essence of the path: aligning your heart, your thoughts, and your actions with the Buddha. If you can remain in this state, constantly following the Buddha and never departing from His light, you will find yourself free from all obstacles. You will attain true freedom, and in that state of great , your true self will finally awaken.
This is the ultimate goal of our practice: to save yourself and to save others, fulfilling the vow to return to the of Ultimate Bliss. This teaching was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.
Namo Amituofo
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