Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, recorded by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe.
May 13, 2023.
The Inner Engine of Transformation
To break through the barriers that hold us back, one requires a profound sense of inner motivation. It is this internal drive that provides the necessary strength to push oneself forward, to confront one's own problems, and to resolve the difficulties that keep us trapped in cycles of suffering. Only by facing and addressing these challenges head-on can we untangle the knots of our confusion and continue our journey toward .
This power to break through does not come from external sources; it originates deep within the heart. It must be firm, unwavering, and free from regret. When we act with a selfless heart for the benefit of all beings, following closely in the footsteps of , the power of our breakthrough becomes infinitely more potent. This is because our own strength is revealed and then amplified by the compassionate support and of the Buddha.
The Multi-Dimensional Breakthrough
True practice requires us to break through on several levels simultaneously. We must:
Break through -protection of the heart:
We must dismantle the walls of ego and defensive mechanisms that our minds construct to keep us safe from the truth of our own nature.Break through the physical entanglements:
We must overcome the suffering of aging, illness, and the various physical pains that bind our bodies to this world.Break through the scattered spirit:
We must conquer the restless nature of our spirits, which are often pulled in a thousand directions by the winds of distraction.Break through and agitation:
We must rise above the states of mental dullness and restless excitement to enter the vast space of the Realm.Break through emotional attachments: We must let go of the worries and sentimental ties that keep us tethered to the past.
When we are no longer hindered by these concerns or attachments, we can move forward directly and decisively, finally breaking through the difficulties that have long obstructed our path.
The Ultimate Test of Sincerity
In our practice, the ability to break through serves as a mirror for our own hearts. It tests whether our vows are truly firm and whether we are genuinely committed to the path of cultivation. It asks us:
Are we truly willing to dedicate ourselves to the work of saving beings?Are we sincere in our desire to rediscover our true self?
If we are not honest with ourselves, we will find it difficult to make progress. However, if we are sincere, the path will open before us.
The Purpose of Our Spiritual Journey
Why do we seek this breakthrough? We do so for several vital reasons:
To achieve purification:
We break through so that we are no longer stained by the impurities of the world, allowing our true self to shine through.To elevate our spiritual quality:
We strive to improve the state of our spirits, ensuring that we are moving toward a higher level of existence.To advance our spiritual achievements:
We seek to make steady progress in our practice, ensuring that we find our true self as early as possible.To nurture our :
We aim to grow our vows of compassion, so that we may save ourselves and save others, reaching the of Ultimate Bliss together.To spread the Pure Land teachings: We work to help all beings purify their own hearts, allowing the sacred name of Namo Amituofo to enter the hearts of every living being.
By doing this, we allow the light of the Buddha to permeate the vastness of the Dharma Realm. Through the widespread practice of , we help all beings find liberation and enter the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Namo Amituofo.
