Earnest Requests for Peace and Awakening

The Burden of Our Desires

On January 21, 2022, during the Thrice Yearning Ceremony, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju provided profound guidance on the nature of our earnest requests. We often find ourselves praying for peace and stability, hoping for a life of calm and security. Yet, even as we make these requests, our hearts remain restless, agitated, and difficult to quieten. We pray for a world free from disaster and suffering, yet we find ourselves living in a time where plagues are difficult to quell and the hearts of people are filled with anxiety.

We earnestly pray for the end of these plagues, hoping to simply breathe, to live a normal life, and to no longer live in fear of a sudden, untimely death. We face the heavy burdens of old age, sickness, and suffering, and we feel the fragility of our lives. We seek to resolve the conflicts with our karmic creditors through the practice of Chao Du, hoping that by doing so, our bodies may heal and our lives may be preserved in safety. We also pray for progress in our spiritual achievements, for the transformation of our character, and for success in the path of the Buddha through the diligent practice of Precepts (Discipline), Concentration and Wisdom. We have so many things for which we pray.

The Path to Stillness

My dear children, Namo Amituofo can help you with all of these requests. However, you must first learn to stop your wandering thoughts and calm your heart. Let this heavy, burdened heart of yours take a breath. Do not plan, do not think, and do not worry about the future. Let your heart become clear, still, and undisturbed.

The Power of the Buddha-name

For all your earnest requests to be fulfilled, you must first raise the Buddha-name: Namo Amituofo. Chant it one phrase after another, with sincerity and focus. Let the Buddha-name calm your heart and bring peace to your spirit. Only when your heart is settled and your mind is clear can your earnest requests be fulfilled smoothly. Namo Amituofo.