Growing and Maturing: Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju

The Illusion of Worldly Growth

The growth and maturation of a child is a process that we all witness with great care. It is the tangible result of a parent’s devoted nurturing, combined with the guidance and structure provided by formal education. As we grow within this world and absorb the lessons of worldly education, we observe the lives of those around us. We see the inevitable cycle of birth, aging, sickness, and death, and we often mistakenly conclude that this is all there is to human existence.

The Weight of Karmic Influence

Within this environment, our past personalities are stirred into action. We inadvertently absorb numerous habits from our surroundings, which shape our character and our outlook. As each person grows and matures, they manifest unique traits, habits, appearances, and physical forms. It is essential to realise that these are not merely random occurrences; they are the direct manifestation of our karma. Every aspect of our being is composed of the seeds we have sown in the past.

The Cycle of Samsara

As the years pass, our karma continues to accumulate. This accumulation inevitably leads to the physical decline of the body, the onset of illness, and eventually, the end of our life. When this life concludes, we are once again reincarnated into the cycle of samsara. In this state, the spirit is lost, wandering without knowing where it will go next or what its true destination should be.

A New Path of Spiritual Maturation

However, there is a different way. Through the power of diligent practice, we can choose to return our past to zero. By engaging in active and persistent practice, we can experience a new kind of growth—a spiritual maturation that transcends the physical. This allows us to develop an entirely different life, one that is no longer dictated by the limitations of the past.

The Ultimate Goal

The purpose of this spiritual growth is profound and clear:

• To rediscover our true self and original nature.To serve all beings with a compassionate heart.To save ourselves and help others to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

When we follow this path, we are no longer bound by the old personality or the negative habits that once defined us. We stop the process of aging and sickness, and we no longer live in fear of death. Our spirit is liberated, allowing us to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. We can even achieve the freedom of choosing our own time of departure, ensuring that this life has not been lived in vain.

Namo Amituofo