Do Not Be Delusional

Chief writer: Venerable Fa Hui

26 July 2026

Teachings by Teacher Xia Lianju:

Delusion refers to that which is not true or real, created through the three karmas of Body, Speech, and Mind.

Such as lying, having delusions, and acting recklessly,

speaking untruths, false words, and so on,

thereby creating the verbal karmas of lying, double-tongued speech, harsh speech, and seductive speech,

how can one avoid the retribution of the tongue-ripping hell and the heart-gouging hell?

If one engages in improper behaviour, one creates negative karma.

When Shakyamuni Buddha realised the fruit of Buddhahood under the Bodhi tree, He said, "Wonderful! Wonderful!

All beings possess the wisdom and virtue of the Tathagata, but they cannot realise it due to their delusions, discriminations, and attachments,"

He clearly pointed out that beings cannot realise the fruit of Buddhahood because of their delusions, discriminations, and attachments, which is truly a bitter retribution,

therefore, one can understand that "delusions" are the great affliction for beings and for one's practice!

Delusions, lying, and false thoughts arise from the heart,

often causing Body, Speech, and Mind to engage in unreal behaviours, words, and thoughts.

Those who lack a sense of security, are self-protective, or are highly subjective are often trapped by delusions,

which is a manifestation of karma and a sign of being unable to control oneself.

For example: engaging in behaviours one should not, speaking false and untrue words,

harbouring false and improper thoughts that harm oneself or others,

and even creating the causes to enter the hells to suffer retribution, resulting in the fruit of suffering punishment in the hells, which is indescribably painful.

Do not be delusional, for it is false and unreal; it is a form of pollution that allows one's good character to become tainted,

causing compassion and Wisdom (Prajna) to be obscured, and it is an obstacle to practice.

Do not be delusional; chant one Buddha's name to the end to sweep away all delusions, discriminations, and attachments, as well as

false words and false actions.

One must hold firmly to the Buddha-name to purify the Body, Speech, and Mind, as well as every cell in the body; this is the practice of Wisdom (Prajna).

Namo Amituofo