A Calm Heart: Walking the Righteous Path

Recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe, these teachings were delivered during the first session of the Thrice Yearning Ceremony on the 26th of April, 2024. Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju provides us with a clear compass for our spiritual journey, reminding us that when we align our actions with the truth, we can walk through life with a calm and fearless heart.

Walking the Path with a Serene Heart

When you encounter the right path, you should simply walk it with a steady, unwavering heart. When your actions are aligned with the truth, your heart will remain calm and free from fear. But how does one discern what is truly the right thing to do? It is found in the cultivation of a selfless and ego-less state of being. The right path is defined by actions that serve the greater good:

• Selflessness and No-self: Acting without the constraints of the ego, focusing entirely on the needs of others.
• Compassionate Service: Dedicating your efforts to helping all beings leave suffering behind and find true happiness.
• Spiritual Elevation: Engaging in activities that assist in the elevation of spirits and the purification of the soul.
• Body-Mind-Spirit Harmony: Supporting the stability and liberation of the body, mind, and spirit.
• Fulfilling the Vow of Rebirth: Assisting others in fulfilling their sincere wish to be reborn in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.
• Ultimate Deliverance: Performing Chao Du to help beings leave suffering behind, be reborn in the Western Land, and permanently escape the cycle of rebirth. There is no joy greater than this.

In Harmony with the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way

The right path is not merely a matter of personal opinion; it is a path that is perfectly aligned with the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. When you walk this path, you must be mindful of the seeds you plant. By avoiding the creation of negative causes, you naturally avoid the bitter harvest of evil consequences. This is the fundamental law of the universe, and by adhering to it, you ensure that your practice remains pure and effective.

The Magnificent Presence of Namo Amituofo

We are living in a time of extraordinary significance. Namo Amituofo, the Teaching Master of the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, truly abides at Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. This is a rare and magnificent opportunity, one that is difficult to encounter in millions of years. For those who have faith, this presence is a beacon of light. If you have faith in the Buddha and faith in your own true self, your heart will naturally remain calm and untroubled. However, if you have not yet developed this faith, you must be extremely cautious. Do not slander the Dharma or create negative causes, for the consequences of such actions—the suffering of the hells—are profound and long-lasting.

Cultivating the Seeds of Enlightenment

To ensure that your wish to be reborn in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss can be fulfilled, you must diligently accumulate merit and virtue, and cultivate both wisdom and blessings. When you hear the Buddha’s words, treat them as the most precious treasure. Listen deeply, take these teachings to heart, and actively change your ways. By doing so, you will receive the magnificent benefits of the Dharma. The goal of diligent practice is to see your true nature; this is not a distant or impossible dream, but a reality that is within your reach if you remain steadfast in your devotion.

Namo Amituofo