Transforming the Hearts and Actions: Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju
Third Session of the Thrice Yearning Ceremony
The Foundation of True Transformation
To truly progress on the path of the , one must begin by transforming the hearts and actions. This transformation is not merely a surface-level adjustment; it requires one to put in the work deep within the heart and manifest these changes through consistent, daily practice. The 'self,' personal ego, and selfishness are the very manifestation of and the root of the cycle of reincarnation. Therefore, the primary task for any practitioner who wishes to dissolve their karma and eventually see their true nature is to change these the 'self,' personal ego, and selfishness.
The Path of Sincerity and Transparency
When you commit to this process of change, you must abandon the need for a facade. There is no place for a public face or a private self; true transformation requires complete sincerity and transparency. You must let go of the following obstacles that cloud your clarity:
- Subjectivity: The tendency to view the world only through the lens of your own limited perspective.Ego-attachment: The stubborn clinging to the idea of a permanent, independent self.Self-views: The rigid opinions and biases that prevent you from seeing the Truth.
Instead, you must align yourself entirely with the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way, for the service of all beings. By doing so, you move away from the influence of the ego and allow the light of the Dharma to guide your every action.
Breaking the
To purify the heart, one must actively work to overcome the five poisons that cloud our original nature. You must move from a state of being controlled by these poisons to a state of liberation. This involves a conscious shift in your mental state:
- From greed to the practice of giving and generosity.From anger to the cultivation of for all beings.From delusion to the development of true Wisdom.From arrogance to the practice of humility.From doubt to the power of unwavering faith.
True faith is twofold: you must have faith in your own potential to awaken, and you must have faith in the Buddha's infinite compassion.
Transcending the
The five desires—wealth, sex, fame, food, and sleep—are often called the five roots of the hells. If you wish to avoid the suffering of the lower realms, you must learn to let go of these attachments and regulate your desires. Do not allow your heart to chase after external conditions. When you stop the mind from wandering and stop the constant pursuit of these five desires, you effectively cut off the causes that lead to the hells. By maintaining a heart that is not easily swayed, you prevent the manifestation of karma.
The Power of Single-Minded Chanting
The ultimate goal of this transformation is to reach a state where your mind is no longer disturbed by the fluctuations of thought. When you stop every thought and intention, you prevent the creation of new karma. You must work to break the habit of a scattered mind. Instead, replace this distraction with the practice of chanting Namo Amituofo with the utmost sincerity. When you reach the point of chanting without a trace of a wandering mind, you are truly in sync with the Buddha. This is the essence of diligent practice: continuous purification until you finally see your true self.
Appearance Arises from the Mind
It is a universal truth that Appearance arises from the mind. Your physical features and your overall presence are direct reflections of your inner state. As you change your heart, your appearance will naturally transform to reflect that inner purity:
- When your heart is filled with compassion, a compassionate countenance will manifest.When your heart is filled with the of the Dharma, a radiant smile will naturally appear.When your heart is stable and calm, your appearance will become serene and clear.When your heart opens to Wisdom, the noble qualities of a practitioner will shine through.
This message was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe, as the chief writer.
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About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library