Do Not Forget to Return Home

These teachings are provided by Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, as recorded by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe, on the sixteenth of September, 2022.

The Burden of Attachment

My dear children, your hearts have not yet truly seen through the illusions of this world, nor have you fully learned to let go. You find yourselves unable to withstand the tests of time and the pain of separation. Because you are still easily swayed by the forces of karma and the influence of other beings, your hearts remain in a state of constant, restless agitation. You follow the currents of your karma, drifting aimlessly through life. When the inevitable signs of ageing and illness manifest in your physical bodies, you suffer not only in your physical form but also in your heart and mind.

The Cycle of Samsara

You have been reincarnated countless times throughout the vast reaches of history. It is time to bring this drifting in the ocean of karma to an end. Once you have embarked upon this path of practice, you must never forget your true destination. The Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss is your only true home in this lifetime. You must keep this goal at the forefront of your consciousness at all times.

The Unsettled Heart

Your hearts are not yet settled, and because they remain in this state of flux, your practice is hindered by several significant obstacles:

• The influence of karmic creditors: You are still being pulled and led by those to whom you owe karmic debts from the past.
• Spiritual attachments: You remain susceptible to external influences that cloud your judgement and drain your energy.
• Deep-seated habits: You struggle to change the personality traits and habitual patterns that prevent you from rediscovering your true self.

When your heart is constantly wandering away from the path, how can you expect to escape the suffering of the body? You must realise that a wandering heart is the root cause of your continued distress.

The Foundation of Faith

My children, your hearts have not yet fully developed the faith required to believe in yourselves, nor have you fully placed your trust in the Buddha. You have not yet truly believed that you possess the same inherent Buddha-nature as the enlightened ones. Furthermore, you have not yet fully trusted that Namo Amituofo is capable of protecting you and guiding you to rebirth in the Western Pure Land. Even if you feel this way now, you must not lose hope. Regardless of where you find yourself or what challenges you face, do not forget to return home. The Western Pure Land is your true destination for this lifetime. Namo Amituofo.