The Wisdom of Skillful Use

Recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

On the fourth of April, 2026, Teacher-Practitioner Xia Lianju provided these essential teachings on the nature of wisdom.

The Four Pillars of Skillful Use

The wisdom of skillful use is revealed through how we manage the precious elements of our existence. To practise this wisdom, one must learn to apply the following with great care:

• Time: Recognising that every moment is a fleeting opportunity for spiritual growth.
• Talent: Offering one’s unique abilities to the service of the Dharma and the benefit of all beings.
• Resources: Utilising material wealth and support to sustain the work of the temple rather than for personal gain.
• Environment: Cherishing the surroundings that support our practice and keep us focused on the path to liberation.

Furthermore, this wisdom is demonstrated by fully utilising the fact that Namo Amituofo truly abides at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Goombungee, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia. We must also cherish the time during which Teacher-Practitioner Xia Lianju and Practitioner Su are present in this human world, actively working to save beings and teach the fourfold assembly and all those connected by karmic affinity.

Using the Temporary to Reach the Eternal

The wisdom of skillful use is deeply rooted in the understanding that human life is limited and that this physical body is difficult to obtain. Because we know this, we must not let a single second pass in vain. Even a fleeting moment is precious, and we must use this temporary, fragile body to cultivate our true nature and rediscover our original self.

When you truly understand this, you will naturally dedicate your body, your time, your spirit, and your wealth to the service of all beings. You will strive to help others leave suffering behind and find happiness. Everything you do will be for the sake of the temple and the collective, never for private interest. You will use these resources to achieve your own spiritual success, to practise Buddha-recitation with fierce diligence, and to attain the Buddha-Recitation Samadhi and wisdom.

Cultivating Compassion and Wisdom

This is the essence of the wisdom of skillful use: it is applied to nurture and expand your own compassion. By witnessing the suffering of sentient beings, you come to understand clearly that you must first achieve spiritual success and reach the state of an awakened being before you can truly have the capacity to help others leave suffering behind.

When you listen to the sutras and hear the Dharma, you must take the teachings and the warnings to heart. If you are cautious and avoid the mistakes that have been pointed out, you will surely accelerate your own path to achievement.

The Great Fortune of Direct Guidance

It is a matter of great fortune and blessing for the fourfold assembly at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre that Namo Amituofo, Teacher-Practitioner Xia Lianju, and Practitioner Su are always here to provide direct, personal guidance. They constantly remind us of our individual shortcomings and offer the wisdom we need to correct our course.

You must put in the work to truly change your ways and transform your personality traits. If you can be fiercely diligent in your practice, you will certainly see a profound difference in your life. Namo Amituofo.