Do Not Let the Heart Move: Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju

The Thrice Yearning Ceremony serves as a sacred bridge to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. During the second session, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju offered profound guidance on the necessity of maintaining a still heart. This teaching, transcribed by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe, provides a roadmap for all practitioners seeking to align themselves with the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way.

Refining the Self and Its Habits

We must begin by examining our daily lives with great sincerity. We all carry habitual patterns—the "self," personal ego, and selfishness—that have become deeply ingrained over many lifetimes. These are not merely minor traits; they are the heavy veils that prevent us from realising our true nature. We must work diligently to refine these habits until they are completely extinguished. When we successfully adjust our behaviour and dissolve these attachments, we are truly making progress in our practice, ensuring that our actions are in harmony with the Truth.

The Stillness of the Heart Amidst the Six Dusts

The interaction between our senses and the world is constant. When our Six Roots encounter the Six Dusts, we are often tested by the external environment. If our heart moves, we are being swayed by external conditions, and we lose our meditative concentration. However, if we can keep the heart unmoved, we demonstrate true mastery. Even if our body must move to accommodate the needs of the moment or the environment, the heart remains anchored in peace. This is what we call "concentration within movement," which is the mark of a practitioner with great cultivation. Regardless of the circumstances, when the heart remains still and anchored in meditative concentration, the body and mind naturally find a state of profound peace, free from the ripples of wandering thoughts.

The Vigilance of the Pure Heart

To maintain this stillness, we must be vigilant regarding the desires that often lead us astray:

• Wealth: When you see wealth, do not let your heart move with greed or attachment.
• Fame: When you encounter fame, remain indifferent and do not let your heart be stirred by the desire for recognition.
• Sex: When you encounter beauty or desire, do not let your heart move; keep your distance to protect your purity.
• Food: Food is merely for nourishing the physical body. Eat only what is necessary, do not be greedy, and do not let your heart move, as overindulgence is harmful to both body and spirit.
• Sleep: Sleep should be taken at appropriate times. Do not be greedy for sleep, as excessive slumber leads to a drowsy mind, which clouds your wisdom and makes it difficult to awaken from the dream of samsara.

Ascending to the Realm of Awakening

Instead of being pulled by these desires, you should keep your heart firmly anchored in goodness. Let your thoughts dwell on kind words, virtuous speech, and the Buddha-name of Namo Amituofo. When you serve others, do so without creating ripples of ego or attachment. By remaining in this state of pure, meditative concentration, your spirit will naturally elevate. As your spirit becomes purified, your innate wisdom and sensitivity will manifest, allowing you to finally enter the state of Awakening. Namo Amituofo.