A Life of Self-Mastery

Chief writer: Venerable Fa Hui

01/08/2026

Teachings by Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju:

A life of self-mastery is one that is not swayed by changes in the external environment, nor by the words, perceptions, or actions of others.

When the heart is stirred, whether the thoughts are good or bad, they enter the consciousness and form karma, distinguishing between good karma and negative karma.

If one can chant the Holy Name "Namo Amituofo" to the end,

then no matter what information enters the Six Roots,

one can use the Buddha-name to purify that information into pure thoughts, or dispel unwholesome and polluted information.

In continuous mindfulness,

replace unwholesome and polluted information with the Holy Name "Namo Amituofo".

A life of self-mastery is one where, by upholding the Precepts, one is not disturbed by the suffering of breaking them,

and may even avoid the extreme suffering of the spirit falling into the hells to undergo punishment.

Because one does not violate the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way, one can have peace of mind.

Even if there is interference from demon crowds, one remains fearless, does not submit,

does not follow their intentions, and remains uncontrolled.

This is the heart and action of a person of great character, capable of accomplishing tasks in accordance with the Truth.

Birth, aging, sickness, and death are the manifestation of karmic forces in reincarnation.

The purpose of practice is liberation, to be free from the oppression of birth, aging, sickness, and death,

to rediscover one's true self, and to return to the original life of self-mastery.

In the process of rediscovering one's true self, one must overcome the manifestation of birth, aging, sickness, and death.

When karma manifests, one should face it, repent, and diligently work to dissolve karma and resolve the conflict with invited spirits.

To be self-mastered, one must be able to transform karma and break free from karmic forces,

only then is it possible to live a truly self-mastered life.

Under the Three Learnings of Precepts, meditative concentration, and wisdom, and with the Buddha's blessings, the heart does not stir.

Recognise the truth of the illusory world and do not cling to it, so as not to be deceived by illusory states.

Understand the laws of karma and cause and effect; when facing the retribution that has already manifested, one should not complain or be angry, but accept it directly.

Regarding retribution that has not yet manifested, keep the heart calm and steady, and do not let it be disturbed.

To protect the heart from being stirred, one must maintain meditative concentration, calmness, composure, and caution when facing any external environment, and do not let this heart be triggered again.

If even the slightest thought arises, or the smallest feeling emerges, quickly raise the Buddha-name to interrupt the thought.

Diligently practise to see one's true self and rediscover a life of self-mastery.

Namo Amituofo