Light and Darkness: The Path to Awakening

Recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

During the second session of the Thrice Yearning Ceremony held on 24 November 2024, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju provided these essential teachings on the nature of light and darkness.

The Duality of Our World

The contrast between light and darkness is a profound reflection of our current world and the lives of the people within it. We often find ourselves caught between opposing forces that define our spiritual journey. These contrasts manifest in many ways:

• Light versus Darkness: The struggle between clarity and confusion.
• Altruism versus Selfishness: The choice between benefiting others and focusing solely on one's own interests.
• Helping Others versus Being Overwhelmed: The difference between having the capacity to assist others and being so consumed by one's own affairs that one cannot offer support.
• Wisdom versus Ignorance: The distinction between seeing the truth and being clouded by delusion.
• The Bliss of the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss versus the Suffering of the Cycle of Rebirth: The ultimate choice between liberation and continued wandering in samsara.

When you enter into the practice, you begin a transition from darkness to light. This process allows your Body-Mind-Spirit to achieve harmony and unity.

The Power of Buddha's Blessings

In the Pure Land path, we rely on the support of two forces: our own diligent practice and the Buddha's blessings. Through this combination, you are able to see the true facts of reality. This clarity gives you the willingness to let go of incorrect views and mistaken understandings. As you engage in diligent practice to transform your karma, you will no longer be bound by the heavy chains of past actions. This is how you reach Awakening and become free to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Practice is a journey of awakening and enlightenment. It requires you to move forward with great effort. It is a path that relies on your own strength while simultaneously requiring the Buddha's blessings. You must be prepared to break through obstacles and overcome challenges to continue your journey forward.

The Heart as the Source of Reality

Light and darkness originate from the heart. If your heart is filled with darkness, even if you are standing in a place of brilliant light, you will still perceive only the shadows. Conversely, if your heart is filled with light, even if you are in a place of deep gloom, you will be able to manifest light to illuminate the darkness. Therefore, you must protect your heart well. Ensure that your heart remains in a state of goodness, and do not allow it to fall into evil or corruption.

The Practice of Turning the Tide

You must put in the work. By upholding the Precepts, you will naturally develop meditative concentration. Do not let your heart be turned by external circumstances; instead, let your heart turn the circumstances. This is the essence of practice.

In every moment, you can chant Namo Amituofo. When every thought contains the Buddha and you never depart from the Buddha, darkness can be transformed into light. Even the deepest gloom can be illuminated by the light of the Buddha. This is the true meaning of practice.

Namo Amituofo