Observing the Heart and Actions

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

September 19, 2021.

The Clarity of Piercing Vision

To observe a person's actions is to know their heart. To see their countenance is to understand their inner state. This is the mark of one who possesses clear, piercing vision. This ability is essential for the work of saving beings. When you can clearly perceive the state of a being's heart and actions, you must ask yourself: Who is truly in charge of this life? Is this heart and action truly their original intent? If it is not their original intent, then who is the one acting as the master?

The Fruits of Diligent Practice

The ability to see and understand clearly is a skill developed through diligent practice. It is the fruit of consistently seeing the good, speaking the good, thinking the good, doing the good, and maintaining a good heart. As you continue your practice with fierce diligence, you will eventually reach the state of an awakened being. At this stage, your five eyes will be perfectly clear, and you will be able to clearly foresee the hearts of all beings and perceive their actions with absolute transparency.

Returning to the Righteous Path

All actions arise from the heart; the heart is the master of all actions. If there is a discrepancy between your heart and your actions, it means that the heart at that moment is no longer your true self. You must be able to see this clearly, and you must have the awareness to act upon it. If you realise that it is not your true self in charge, but perhaps the influence of karma or other beings manifesting before you, you must stop immediately. Because such a heart and such actions may cause harm to you, you must turn back quickly. Return to the righteous path and follow the guidance of the Teacher, the true spiritual friend, and the teachings of Namo Amituofo, the Teacher, and Practitioner Su. By being fiercely diligent and working to change your personality traits and latent habits, you will find the method to save yourself.

The Danger of Negligence

If you find that your heart and actions are difficult to control, and you allow the Five Desires and thoughts of anger to arise, you are failing to heed the counseling provided to you. When you ignore this, you will inevitably face the suffering of aging and illness. The cycle of being reincarnated will manifest, and you will find yourself drifting further and further away from the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. You must be extremely cautious and never take this lightly.

Namo Amituofo