When Will You Attain Liberation?

Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju offers these profound insights during the Thrice Yearning Ceremony, recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable Fa Hui.

The Two Shores of Existence

What does it mean to be saved? It means crossing from this shore to the other. This shore refers to the worldly realm of the six realms of rebirth, where we are caught in the cycle of suffering. The other shore refers to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, which also signifies the moment one realises one's true nature and attains Buddhahood.

Every sentient being in the ten directions and the Dharma realms has different karmic conditions and causes and effects. Because of these differences, the time and space required for each person to attain liberation are unique. When you are fortunate enough to encounter a Buddha or Bodhisattva, they will observe your potential. If the conditions are ripe, they will provide the most efficient teachings to help you attain liberation.

The Sudden Awakening Through Chanting

For those who chant Buddha's name, the path is direct. If you chant with a sincere heart, a single word, a sound, or even the sight of a falling leaf can become the moment of your Awakening. These moments shatter the confusion of the past. When the truth is revealed, your entire being is cleared, and you attain Awakening.

The Necessity of Facing Obstacles

Those who attain liberation are those who possess great vows. They live their daily lives in accordance with these vows. However, if you encounter an obstacle and try to bypass it, you will only find yourself trapped again when you return to that same path. If you do not resolve the obstacle, you will remain stuck. If you pass through this life without resolving these issues, you will face the exact same obstacles in your next life.

• If you do not practise, these unresolved issues become heavy karma.
• If you do practise, they manifest as persistent obstacles.
• In either case, you will have to face the same suffering and the same challenges again.

The Urgency of Resolution

Therefore, I urge all practitioners to face your obstacles directly. It is best to take responsibility and resolve them immediately. Do not delay, for if you leave them unresolved, they will become the burdens of your next life. Why suffer through them again? Resolve them now, in this very life, for your own sake and for the sake of all beings. Namo Amituofo.