On the twenty-eighth of June, 2024, during the second session of the , Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju provided essential guidance for all practitioners. He addressed the fourfold assembly of disciples, reminding us that in our daily practice, we must be extremely cautious in our speech and actions. We must never be careless, for every word we speak, every action we take, and every movement we make is governed by the laws of and cause and effect.
We must understand that our lives are not isolated events. Every intention we form and every thought that arises within us leaves an imprint upon the universe. When we act with awareness, we align ourselves with the Truth; when we act with negligence, we invite unnecessary suffering.
The Sanctity of the Sanctuary
We must hold a special reverence for the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. This is a place where truly abides. Because of this, the Centre is protected by the powerful, benevolent forces of the protectors. While it is true that many spirits and demon crowds have come to surrender and seek repentance here, there are also those who remain in opposition, constantly watching for any opportunity to create interference.
If you allow your thoughts to become clouded by negativity, or if your mind begins to fluctuate with unwholesome intentions, you are creating a vulnerability. If you harbour private, selfish desires, or if you are overly attached to your own physical sensations and , you are effectively polluting your own heart. Even the slightest evil thought or unvirtuous intention acts as a seed for negative karma. This not only leads to the suffering of evil consequences but also manifests as states of or the unsettling experience of entering other space.
The Path to Purification and Clarity
If you find yourself experiencing such states of drowsiness or mental wandering, you must never treat them lightly. These are signs that your practice requires immediate adjustment. You must reflect deeply: where have you failed to maintain your ? What aspect of your character still requires refinement? Once you identify these areas, you must change them immediately.
If these states of drowsiness or mental interference do not subside, or if they become increasingly frequent, it is a clear indication that you are still holding onto attachments. It means you have not yet let go of your obstacles, your personality has not been transformed, and you are still carrying the weight of unrefined karma. You remain a being who has yet to transform your karma.
The Daily Practice of a Devoted Practitioner
At the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, , attached spirits, and even demon crowds have the precious opportunity to be saved through the power of . Therefore, the fourfold assembly of disciples must be proactive in dissolving karma and diligent in your purification. You must be cautious in your speech and actions, and you must never again create new karma through your Body, Speech, and Mind.
We are already struggling to repent and resolve our past karmic debts; how could we possibly afford to create new karma or fail to awaken the beings who are still sleeping within us? To ensure your progress, you must commit to a rigorous daily practice:
Prostrations: Bowing to the Buddha to humble the ego and show respect.
Chanting Buddha's name: Making the Buddha-name the centre of your existence.
Sutra Recitation: Reciting The Infinite Sutra (The Buddha Speaks the , Infinite Life, Adornment, Purity, Impartiality, and Sutra) to align your mind with the Buddha’s wisdom.
(Discipline), Concentration and Wisdom: Diligently practising these three to extinguish greed, anger, and ignorance.
Continuous Chanting: Maintaining the Buddha-name 24/7, so that chanting then becomes a continuous, flowing stream that never stops.
By following this Pure Land path of faith, aspiration, and practice, you will give rise to all and achieve the fruit of Bodhi. This is the true path to purity and the cultivation of good fruit. Remember always: be cautious in your speech and action, and do not be careless.
