Do Not Let Thoughts Arise: Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju

Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, recorded by Venerable HaiZe.

October 9, 2021.

Every thought and intention we hold creates ripples in the vast expanse of our consciousness. When these ripples manifest, they inevitably attract our karmic creditors and cause our manifestation of karma to appear before us. Truly, this is not worth the price we pay for our lack of mental discipline.

People have become so accustomed to living in a world of constant thinking and mental chatter that they have forgotten how to be still. They do not realise that every time they think or contemplate, they emit energetic waves that immediately scatter into the air. Consequently, in the space that is invisible to our physical eyes, the atmosphere is densely packed with countless thoughts and vibrations. These waves crisscross constantly, carrying all kinds of information that we are not even aware of.

The Radiant Stillness of Wisdom

If you can attain a state of deep meditative concentration, you will find that meditative concentration and wisdom begin to coexist. In this state, there is wisdom within meditative concentration, and there is meditative concentration within wisdom. When you reach this level of practice, you will no longer be disturbed by any external environment. You will remain unaffected by the scattered thoughts, vibrations, and information that permeate the world around you.

Any thoughts, vibrations, or information—whether they are related to your current situation or entirely irrelevant—are understood clearly and distinctly when you are in a deep meditative state. However, the key is that you do not let thoughts arise. You remain completely unmoved, and you do not create any new ripples in your mind.

Transcending the Veil of the Physical

The so-called external environment also includes your own physical body. You must learn not to be deluded by the various conditions, sensations, or ailments of the body. Only when you are no longer swayed by these physical states can you truly begin to rediscover your true self, the Truth, and Wisdom. It is only through this stillness that you can finally comprehend the supreme, wonderful meaning of the Dharma.

Namo Amituofo