Waking Up Again and Again

During the second session of the Thrice Yearning Ceremony, held on the twelfth of September, 2020, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju offered these profound teachings on the nature of our existence and the path to liberation.

The Endless Cycle of Dreams

We awaken, only to find ourselves drifting back into the dream; we are caught in a cycle of waking up again and again, yet we remain unable to truly emerge from the dream state. Within these dreams, we are endlessly preoccupied with the myriad affairs of the body and mind, struggling to escape the heavy, inescapable burdens of our past karma and the deep-seated entanglements of our emotions. We mistakenly believe we have finally awakened, only to find ourselves once more within the dream. What, then, is the way forward?

The Antidote to Confusion

Is there an antidote to this poison, a way to prevent the darkness of confusion from binding our hearts so tightly? We must encounter good conditions and a true spiritual friend. Only through their compassionate guidance can we shatter these illusory dreams and neutralise the various poisons that cloud our spirits. It is through this connection that we begin to see the path clearly.

The Path of the Truly Awakened

If one is truly awake and has realised their true nature, they can enter this illusory world of reincarnation with purpose. They do so to guide those who are still lost in their dreams, helping them recognise the truth of reality, so that they too may awaken from the dream and continue until they reach the state of an awakened being. If one has not yet reached the state of an awakened being, their clarity is merely temporary, and they will inevitably fall back into the dream. Thus, they must continue to seek good conditions and the guidance of a true spiritual friend, allowing themselves to be saved and awakened, time and again, until the ultimate goal of seeing one's nature is achieved.

A Call to Diligent Practice

Students of Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, you are currently in the midst of this very process. You must cherish this rare opportunity and engage in diligent practice to reach the stage of seeing your true nature. This message was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.