Understanding the Nature of Illusion

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

On the sixth of October, 2023, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju provided these essential teachings on the nature of illusion.

The Fleeting Nature of All Things

What is an illusion? It is something that appears for a moment, only to vanish without a trace. It is defined by constant change and impermanence, and it is entirely beyond our control. Everything you see, everything you encounter, and every connection you make in this world is an illusion. These phenomena are driven by the force of karma and the collective consciousness of all beings. They are governed by the law of Causal Conditions: they arise when conditions are ripe, and they dissipate when those conditions fade away. Our relationships with one another are built upon the foundation of karmic retribution. Because we are deeply entangled in these webs, it is incredibly difficult to escape the cycle of the six realms of rebirth.

If you wish to transform your karma, you must stop letting your past actions dictate your future. If you truly desire to leave the six realms of rebirth behind and achieve liberation from the cycle of birth, aging, sickness, and death, you must learn to see through and let go of all worldly attachments.

The Vessel of the False Body

We are bound to these worldly connections primarily because we possess this physical body, which is formed by the union of the four great elements. This body is also a product of Causal Conditions; it appears when conditions are right and dissolves when they cease. Therefore, this body is also an illusion—it is merely a false vessel. However, even though it is illusory, it serves a vital purpose. Without this temporary, false body, you would have no way to express the state of your spirit in this world. It acts as the vehicle through which your spiritual journey is manifested.

Taking Charge of Your Spiritual Journey

The most important question you must ask yourself is: who is truly in control? Who is it that allows this body to walk through this world? For the majority of people, it is their past karma and their karmic creditors who are in control. They allow their bodies and spirits to be led by the momentum of past actions. The result of this is endless suffering. One becomes trapped in the cycle of birth, aging, sickness, and death, and may even fall into the dark, bottomless abyss and swirling vortexes of the three evil realms.

From Darkness to Eternal Light

Only through diligent practice can you change this outcome. You must engage in the process of purification, work to change your personality traits, and strive to rediscover your true self. Only then will you be able to transform your karma and take charge of your own destiny. When you reach this level of clarity, you will recognise that the dark abyss and the swirling vortexes of suffering are merely parts of the illusion. You must seek to return to the truth. Only by doing so will you have the opportunity to sweep away the darkness and reveal the light, transforming the turbulent vortex of your life into a surface of water that is calm, still, and without waves. Namo Amituofo.