Have You Truly Seen Through and Let Go?

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

November 13, 2022.

Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju offers these words of guidance to the fourfold assembly:

The Essence of True Practice

The fourfold assembly lives a life of practice, much like those residing in a traditional monastery. You follow the daily routines, participate in the Dharma assembly, and dedicate your time to the path of the Buddha. However, I must ask you to look deeper into your own heart: have you truly managed to see through and let go? In your daily actions, your attitudes, and your responses to the world, have you genuinely achieved the state of seeing through and letting go?

Evaluating Your Physical and Mental Well-being

To determine where you stand on this path, you may use the following points for self-reflection. First, consider your physical state. Are you constantly burdened by the ailments of aging and sickness, or are you able to maintain a healthy body and a clear mind? When you encounter significant obstacles in your practice, how do you respond? Do you find them insurmountable, leading you to retreat or remain stagnant in your progress? Or, do you possess the courage to face these problems head-on, using them as stepping stones to break through and move forward on your journey?

The Reflection of Your Inner State

Next, observe your emotional disposition. Do you often carry a sorrowful expression, feeling restless, anxious, depressed, or frustrated in your heart? Or, do you walk through your days with a smile, a peaceful mind, and a sense of profound contentment? A heart that has truly seen through and let go will naturally manifest as a calm and fulfilling life, regardless of external circumstances.

Clarity During Devotional Practice

Finally, examine your state of mind during your devotional activities. When you chant Buddha's name, perform prostrations, recite the Sutras, attend a Dharma assembly, or listen to sutras and hear the Dharma, what is the quality of your focus? Do you find yourself plagued by wandering thoughts and internal chatter that prevent you from concentrating? Are you struggling with spiritual attachment, falling into a state of being drowsy, or feeling as though your consciousness is drifting into another space? Or, are you able to remain clear, bright, and fully present, learning with a focused mind and engaging wholeheartedly in the task at hand?

A Call to Self-Reflection

Whether you have truly seen through and let go is not a matter for others to judge; it is a matter for your own honest assessment. Use these points as a mirror to reflect upon your progress. May you continue to refine your practice, purify your heart, and walk the path of the Buddha with unwavering sincerity.

Namo Amituofo