No Time for Laxity: Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju

The Necessity of Unceasing Diligence

The fourfold assembly of disciples must engage in diligent practice, for there is truly no time for laxity. Before one has realised their true nature, one must be fiercely diligent and never slacken. You must continuously break through one barrier after another; only then can you achieve the purification required to see your true self. Even after you have realised your true nature, you must remain active in saving other beings, for the suffering of beings in this world has no end. Those who have realised their true nature feel deep compassion for the suffering of all beings and work tirelessly to save them, never allowing a moment of laxity to arise.

The Great Enemy of the Practitioner

Laziness is a natural human tendency, yet it is the greatest enemy of your practice. Many practitioners remain at a standstill throughout their entire lives, or even regress, simply because they allow this inertia to take hold. When you allow laziness to dominate, it becomes difficult to sustain your diligent practice. Consequently, your life remains governed by your karma, and you continue to suffer the cycle of birth, aging, sickness, and death. You remain trapped within the cycle of reincarnation, unable to achieve rebirth in the Western Pure Land. Such individuals may hold the title of practitioner, but they fail to leave suffering behind and do not gain the actual benefits of their practice.

The Ruthless Nature of Impermanence

You must understand that there is no time for laxity; this is a fundamental recognition for every practitioner. Life is incredibly short and passes in the blink of an eye. Impermanence is always by your side, and it shows no mercy. There are countless practitioners and monastics who have engaged in diligent practice but have not yet realised their true nature. Some are on the very verge of awakening, yet their breath stops, and their life comes to an end before they can reach that goal. This is truly a cause for profound regret.

The Preciousness of True Cultivation

Your physical body is precious because it allows you to engage in True Cultivation. This body is priceless, for the realisation of your true nature cannot be purchased with any amount of worldly treasure. Your breath is precious, for once your breath stops, all worldly matters come to a halt. Your breath is priceless, for no amount of wealth can buy back a single breath once it has departed. You must reflect on these truths deeply: the body is a vessel for spiritual growth, not merely for worldly comfort; True Cultivation is the only way to transcend the limitations of the physical form; and every moment of life is an opportunity to accumulate merit and wisdom.

A Rare Opportunity at Hsiang Kuang

The fact that you are able to practise here at Hsiang Kuang is the result of the good roots, Blessings, and Causal Conditions you have accumulated over countless aeons. Now that the timing has matured, you have been able to encounter Namo Amituofo, your Teacher, and Practitioner Su. Furthermore, you have the rare opportunity to practise under the guidance of Namo Amituofo. You must be fiercely diligent and never allow yourself to be lax. Strive to realise your true nature as soon as possible, so that you may follow the Buddha in the work of saving all beings. Namo Amituofo. Recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.