Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju. Recorded and transcribed by ’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.
In the context of our spiritual journey, what does it truly mean to be a puppet? A puppet is one whose physical actions, movements, speech, and even the very thoughts arising in the mind are no longer under their own control. These manifestations do not originate from the person's own true intent, but rather from the intentions of others who have taken command of the vessel.
The Shadow of the Puppet
These external forces that seize control can take many forms:
: Those to whom we owe debts from past lives, who come to seek balance.
Attached spirits: Beings who have latched onto our energy field, influencing our behaviour.
Demon crowds: Malevolent forces that seek to lead the practitioner away from the right path.
When this occurs, we must ask ourselves: where is our own true self? It has been trapped, confined to some hidden corner of , rendered unable to exercise its own sovereignty or make its own decisions.
The Displacement of the True Self
At the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre, the fourfold assembly of disciples often hears Practitioner Su remark, "This person is not themselves; they are a puppet." This is precisely what is meant. The physical body remains, but the spirit that is currently in charge is no longer the original master of that body.
This condition is far more prevalent than people realise. Most individuals remain unaware of this displacement because they lack the spiritual vision to see that the currently animating the body is fundamentally different from the true self. The body is being operated by these external beings, and the person is merely a passenger in their own life.
The Roots of Spiritual Attachment
Why does such a distressing situation occur? It happens because one's personality traits remain unchanged. When we hold onto subjectivity, stubbornness, and deep-seated attachments, we continuously attract the karmic creditors who are waiting for their moment to manifest. Furthermore, these negative states of mind act as a beacon, drawing in external spirits and even demon crowds to attach themselves to our body.
When the true self is too weak to maintain control over its own physical form, it is forced to yield to the influence of these other spirits. The life of a puppet is a life of profound suffering. It is a cycle of sorrow and , of enduring the bitter and the sweet, and of being trapped in a cycle of rebirth where one is unable to transform their .
Reclaiming Your Sovereignty
In such a state, it is impossible to reach . One will either remain stagnant or regress in their practice. If you find it difficult to be the master of your own life, you must take immediate action to reclaim your autonomy:
Invite back your three hun souls and seven po souls: Call them home and ensure they are properly protected.
Guard your spirit: Once you have reclaimed your essence, do not let it scatter or drift away again.
Cultivate right action: Watch your thoughts, think good thoughts, and perform good deeds.
Transform your personality: Let go of the ego and purify your mind through the constant practice of chanting Namo Amituofo.
The Path to Eternal Freedom
Do not be a puppet. Instead, please purify your heart and dedicate yourself to chanting Namo Amituofo. Keep the Buddha in your heart, keep the Buddha on your lips, and ensure that at every moment, you never depart from the presence of the Buddha. By doing so, you will find the strength to leave suffering behind and find true happiness.
