Fulfilling the Vow: Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju

The Fleeting Mirage and the Eternal Vow

Dreams are fundamentally illusory, and even after a dream is fulfilled, it remains an illusion. Why not transform your dreams into sacred vows? A dream is merely a fleeting projection of the mind, but a vow is a profound commitment of the spirit that aligns you with the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. When you shift your focus from personal desires to the greater good, your heart and your actions change accordingly.

You must make the vow to be fiercely diligent in your practice to see your true self-nature. You must vow to save the world and rescue all beings, and you must vow to save yourself and others, helping all beings leave suffering behind and attain rebirth in the Western Pure Land. Dreams and vows are fundamentally different; they arise from a different heart and lead to a different path of action.

The Grounded Path of True Cultivation

Seeing your true self-nature is not merely a dream or a fantasy that one can simply wish into existence. It requires a dedicated and rigorous path. You must engage in True Cultivation, keeping your feet firmly on the ground as you walk the path of the Buddha. Every step you take with sincerity is a step forward toward your ultimate goal. You must be fiercely diligent, breaking through obstacles and continuing to advance until you have successfully rediscovered your original, true self.

The Manifestation of the Dharma Body

Once you reach the state of seeing your true self-nature, you will possess the Dharma Body. This is the state of being that transcends the limitations of the physical form. To achieve this, you should follow the example of Practitioner Su. By learning and mastering the great cultivation of Chao Du, you will be equipped to perform the work of a Bodhisattva. This is the true meaning of fulfilling your vow:

• To follow Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su in the mission to save the world and rescue all beings.
• To save yourself and others, helping all beings leave suffering behind and attain rebirth in the Western Pure Land.
• To ensure that your actions are authentic and that your aspirations are truly realised.

This is the path of a true practitioner, and it is the only way to ensure that your life is lived with purpose, clarity, and the ultimate success of reaching the Western Pure Land. Namo Amituofo.