Advancing and Further Purifying the Mind

Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

August 12, 2023

The Path of Continuous Purification

The path of the Pure Land is one of constant advancement and further purification. As you progress, you must continue to refine your heart, seeking to purify yourself again and again. Within this state of purity, a single, subtle, and unwholesome thought may occasionally flicker through your mind. Although this thought may seem weak, it has already manifested as a mental note. Any thought that is unwholesome, impure, or lacking in Goodness is a form of pollution. This thought acts as a pollutant, staining the clarity of your original, pure heart. You must diligently remove these stains to return to your original, pure state.

The Dangers of Spiritual Regression

If you fail to remove these subtle stains, they will contaminate your pure nature, leading to clear signs of spiritual regression. When your original nature is no longer bright and manifest, you will notice concerning changes in your practice:

• Your virtuous conduct and moral discipline begin to decline.Your innate abilities and wisdom become obscured.Your focus during practice wavers, making it difficult to maintain a steady, clear mind.

When you notice these signs, you must immediately awaken to the situation. Reflect upon your own actions, look inward, and correct your mistakes with haste. Do not allow these pollutants to attach themselves to your heart and sink deep into your consciousness, for if they do, it will become increasingly difficult to free yourself.

The Compassionate Support of True Spiritual Friends

If you do not clear these stains, you will face great peril when the time of death approaches. You may find that your practice of chanting the Buddha's name lacks the necessary strength to guide you. As the physical body ages and the suffering of illness manifests, you may find it impossible to concentrate your mind on the Buddha’s name. In such moments of crisis, if a true spiritual friend appears to assist you, their guidance can be the difference between success and failure. They can offer teachings that help you focus your mind on chanting the Buddha's name, providing you with the precious opportunity to achieve rebirth in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.

The Grace of Deliverance

Sometimes, one may receive the compassionate assistance of Practitioner Su. Through the power of the Dharma Body, Practitioner Su can lead the spirits of the deceased into the Western Land of Dharma Nature. After this process of Chao Du, the spirits are guided according to their own wishes, and through the chanting of the Buddha's name, they are led into the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This is truly a great blessing for all beings.

A Call to Diligent Practice

All disciples must be cautious in their speech and conduct. You must advance and further purify your mind at every moment. Do not ignore even the smallest unwholesome word or action, for even if an unwholesome act seems minor, it still creates a karmic burden. You should strive to spend every moment of your life in a state of Goodness, kindness, and purity. If you can do this, your practice will surely advance. This is the essence of pure cultivation. By advancing and further purifying yourself with tireless diligence, you will easily find success and eventually attain the fruit of an awakened being.

Namo Amituofo