Time Does Not Wait for Anyone

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

Time does not wait for anyone. In this world, every individual perceives and utilises time differently, depending entirely upon their own unique karma. Because our past actions and intentions shape our current reality, we often find ourselves caught in the currents of our own habits, struggling to find a moment of true stillness.

The Rapid Pace of the Modern World

In our current era, the use of computers and digital technology has become universal. These tools have largely replaced traditional methods of writing and communication, allowing for the near-instantaneous transmission of information across the globe. This has created a phenomenon of extreme speed in our daily lives, where messages, news, and distractions arrive in a relentless, rapid-fire stream.

This modern phenomenon has inevitably influenced the way we approach our practice. Because the world around us has accelerated, we must also adjust our pace and our mindset. We must demand more of ourselves, ensuring that we truly grasp every passing moment to deepen our commitment to the path of practice.

Adapting Our Practice to the New Era

For those of us walking the Pure Land path, it is essential to strengthen our daily lessons. These practices are the foundation of our progress:

• Prostrations: Bowing to the Buddha to humble the ego and purify the body.
• Chant Buddha's name: Reciting Namo Amituofo to align our hearts with the infinite compassion of the Buddha.
• Recite the Sutras: Studying the teachings to gain clarity and wisdom.

You must learn to utilise your time fully to ensure these practices yield their intended results. If you perform these tasks while feeling drowsy or while your mind is wandering into another space, you are not truly present. Time does not wait for anyone; if you let these precious moments flow by in a state of confusion, it is a profound loss.

Overcoming Drowsiness and Distraction

This issue of distraction and mental fog has long troubled the fourfold assembly of disciples. It is time to change personality traits and your habits! You must be diligent in your practice to remain alert and focused. The morning service is a vital part of your commitment; you must attend it without fail. This is a matter of Precepts—you must uphold them and not allow yourself to falter.

Turning the Heart Toward All Beings

Time does not wait for anyone. At every moment, you must be ready to raise the Buddha-name in your heart. This is the most important task for anyone practising within the Buddha-land. Through your own diligent practice, you will receive the Buddha's blessings, which will provide the necessary support to help your practice advance.

Purifying the heart is of the utmost importance. Do not waste your precious time thinking only of your own affairs or focusing on the needs of your physical body. Instead, you must shift your focus toward the welfare of all beings. Always keep the Buddha-name at the forefront of your mind.

Time does not wait for anyone. You must strive to become someone who knows how to use time wisely. The beings of this world are suffering and are waiting for us to achieve our own practice. Once your skills are perfected, you will be able to follow the Buddha to save all beings, helping them to leave suffering behind and find rebirth in the Western Pure Land.

Namo Amituofo