Opening the Heart's Gate

Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

My dear children, please listen closely to these words of guidance.

Releasing the Burdens of the Past

Have you locked the gate to your heart because of the suffering you have endured from the dust and labour of your past lives? When the heavy weight of past negative karma manifests, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and retreat into a shell of protection. However, now that you have embarked upon the path of practice, I ask you to open your heart's gate once more.

You have Namo Amituofo as your ultimate refuge and support. By relying on the Buddha, you can cast aside your burdens. If you chant the sacred Buddha-name of Namo Amituofo all the way, you will find that all suffering can be eliminated and all obstacles can be resolved. This is the surest way to fulfil your great vow of rebirth in the Western Pure Land. Do not let your time pass in vain; raise the Buddha-name immediately and let it resonate within your soul.

Transforming the Stubborn Ego

Have you locked the gate to your heart because your personality is too rigid, causing you to hurt both yourself and others while creating negative karma? A stubborn nature is merely a manifestation of the cycle of reincarnated life; it is a habit that must be let go. Now that you are engaged in diligent practice, please open your heart's gate.

You must learn to face yourself with honesty and adjust your conduct. Only through sincere repenting and a genuine desire to change your ways can you truly purify and empty your heart. When the heart is clear, the light of your true nature can shine through.

Healing the Suffering of the Body

Have you locked the gate to your heart because you are unhappy and burdened by the ailments of old age and physical suffering? Now that you are here at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, please open your heart's gate.

You must sincerely repent for the negative karma created in the past. By requesting Chao Du, you can resolve the conflicts with your karmic creditors. This process will help to alleviate the suffering of the beings within our bodies, as well as your own personal suffering. Through this act of deep sincerity, you will find the peace you seek.

The Path of Compassionate Service

Finally, I urge you: do not let selfishness lock the gate to your heart. Please, open your heart's gate to the world. When you cultivate compassion for all beings and engage in diligent practice, you will surely achieve success. This success is not for yourself alone, but to enable you to serve the community, to resolve the suffering of the beings within our bodies, and to bring convenience and joy to all those around you.

By maintaining a pure environment for practice here at the temple, you help everyone succeed in their group cultivation. Together, we shall move forward toward the ultimate goal of becoming an awakened being! Namo Amituofo.