The Wisdom of Taking a Step Back

Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

During the second session of the Thrice Yearning Ceremony on July 4, 2025, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju offered these profound insights on the virtue of yielding.

The Strength Found in Yielding

When two parties are locked in a dispute, each holding firmly to their own perspective, the situation often reaches a stalemate. If one side can choose to take a step back, the tension begins to dissipate, and a turning point for the situation appears. If both sides are willing to take a step back, the path forward opens, and the matter can continue to progress smoothly.

To be able to take a step back is a sign of a vast mind-capacity. It demonstrates the ability to embrace the faults of others. This is not the behaviour of a weak person, nor is it a sign of retreat or defeat. On the contrary, it is the mark of someone who possesses true tolerance, someone who does not seek credit for themselves, and someone who is truly capable of making genuine progress on the spiritual path.

Expanding the Horizon of the Heart

By taking a step back, you can see a completely different world. You expand the capacity of your heart. As the Budai Monk once said: When one holds the green rice seedlings to plant them in the field, by bowing one's head, one sees the reflection of the sky in the water. Only when the six roots are pure can one truly be on the path; taking a step back is, in reality, moving forward.

When two sides are both strong-willed and each believes they are in the right, how should a situation proceed when differing views and methods arise? If one side can yield, it will allow the situation to advance, benefiting the greater community and allowing all beings to receive the benefits of the Dharma.

Transforming Karma Through Humility

In truth, the one who benefits the most from yielding is yourself. By yielding, you calm the hearts of the karmic creditors within your own body. This allows you to resolve conflicts, dissolve karma, and creates a precious opportunity to transform karma. Your personality is an integral part of your karma. If you can change your personality traits, you prevent negative karma from manifesting, thereby transforming it. This process occurs naturally within the natural order of things.

Those who can take a step back find it easier to form good affinities with the masses. They are willing to suffer a loss, and in doing so, they gain the respect and affection of others.

The Foundation of the Six Harmonies

If a practitioner can uphold the Six Harmonies, they create a foundation for a harmonious monastic community where members respect, embrace, and grow with one another. Consequently, their spiritual quality is elevated. The Six Harmonies are:

• Sharing the same understanding of the Dharma.
• Observing the same Precepts together.
• Living together in harmony.
• Speaking without contention.
• Sharing the same joy of the heart.
• Sharing benefits equally.

Resonating with the Buddha-Heart

If a person who chants Buddha's name can take a step back, their heart will remain peaceful, and their expression will be gentle and kind. They will be able to enter a state of no-self and selflessness. When one chants Buddha's name in this state, they can resonate with the Buddha-heart, and their practice will surely advance. Namo Amituofo.