The Wisdom of Tuning the Strings

On the twenty-seventh of December, 2024, during the midday offering of the Thrice Yearning Ceremony, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju provided essential guidance for all practitioners. Recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe, these words serve as a reminder of how we must conduct ourselves within the bodhimanda.

The Art of Tuning the Strings

Consider the strings of a musical instrument. To produce a beautiful, resonant sound, the strings must be adjusted with precision. If the strings are tuned too loosely, the sound produced will be weak, dull, and lacking in vitality. Conversely, if the strings are tuned too tightly, they become strained and brittle, carrying the constant risk of snapping under the pressure.

Therefore, the secret to creating a harmonious melody lies in the middle path: the strings must be neither too loose nor too tight. When the tension is perfectly balanced, each string can express its intended tone with clarity and grace. Whether it is a high note, a low note, a deep resonance, a sharp pitch, or a steady, flat tone, each has its own unique character. As long as the pitch is accurate, these diverse sounds can come together to compose a piece of music that is both beautiful and deeply moving.

Embracing the Diversity of the Fourfold Assembly

Every member of the fourfold assembly possesses unique talents and strengths. This is not a coincidence; it is the result of diligent effort and focused practice in past lifetimes. Because you have dedicated yourself to specific areas of cultivation in the past, you naturally possess a heightened sensitivity and a more refined ability in those areas after undergoing purification in this life. Compared to others, you will inevitably shine in these specific aspects.

Because of this, you must learn to value yourself. Do not let the strengths of others diminish your own spirit or confidence. Understand that the areas where you feel weak are often the very areas where another person excels. When you witness the talents of others, you should offer them your sincere praise and appreciation. Conversely, when you find yourself in a position of strength, do not allow pride to take root. You must remember that you, too, have areas where you have yet to reach perfection.

Cultivating Mutual Growth and Respect

In the areas where you have not yet reached your full potential, you should be humble enough to accept the guidance and shared experiences of others. By doing so, you will benefit and grow in your own practice. In the areas where you possess special talents, you should strive to offer your skills as a form of Generosity, rather than keeping them for selfish gain. By contributing your strengths to the bodhimanda, you help to adorn this sacred space with dignity and harmony.

Building the Pure Land Home

The principle of tuning the strings is a lesson that I hope every member of the fourfold assembly can truly understand and embody. By working together in a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect, we can create a harmonious environment. It is through this collective effort that we can build the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre into a true Pure Land home, capable of leading beings from the ten directions toward the path of awakening.

Namo Amituofo