Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, recorded and transcribed by ’s disciple, Venerable Fa Hui.
The Deep Roots of Emotional Entanglement
Why does emotion stir the human heart so profoundly? It is because there are countless laws of and cause and effect woven into the fabric of our emotions, making it difficult for one to remain in control. As long as a single karmic cause remains unresolved and the force of karma persists, one will find themselves caught in a cycle of endless entanglement. Furthermore, within this worldly realm, everything is interconnected. We encounter emotional ties at every turn, and because these encounters are part of an ongoing process of karma, these ties are difficult to sever. This is precisely why the cycle of rebirth continues, why karma is so hard to stop, and why we are constantly subjected to the sufferings of birth, aging, sickness, and death.
The Trap of Selfishness
Within the laws of karma and cause and effect, emotion acts as an incredibly powerful force. It strips away our ability to be self-governing and prevents us from maintaining a clear, rational mind, causing us to fall into the trap of selfishness and ego. It is only because of the relationship between "you" and "I" that emotion arises. Within these emotional bonds, we seek to satisfy our desires and maintain our attachments. Whether it is our sense of self, our family, our parents, our children, or our romantic partners, these private relationships become the fertile ground where selfishness takes root. This is the very place where the laws of karma and cause and effect exert their greatest influence.
The World of Endurance
The Saha World is also known as the world of endurance. It is a realm where beings must endure various emotional states and physical sensations, which is why suffering is incessant. People live within this world, enduring all manner of pain, yet they find it nearly impossible to escape. This is because emotions and desires are the direct products of the laws of karma and cause and effect. Often, our desires are merely attempts to satisfy the needs of the physical body, and in doing so, we create even more karma. It is exceptionally difficult for people in this worldly environment to resist the exchange and influence of emotions and desires, which only leads to further .
The Path of Purification
Therefore, a practitioner must first distance themselves from the worldly life. Only through diligent practice can one begin to detach from various emotions and sever the many desires that bind them. One must lead a life of detachment, following conditions as they arise rather than chasing after them. The goal is to achieve purification, ensuring that remain pure and untainted. By doing this, one can transform their karma, no longer being controlled or dominated by it, and allow their true self to manifest. During your practice, you must focus on serving all beings rather than becoming busy with emotional affairs. Within the realm of emotion, one is merely living a life of repaying kindness or settling grievances, constantly accumulating debts, and suffering from endless afflictions. Instead, you must live a life of purification, resolving conflicts with your , performing , transforming your karma, and living with detachment.
Transforming Emotion into
Only by living in this way can you create the opportunity for your true self to manifest and for you to see your true nature. Once you have reached the state of an awakened being, you will finally be able to govern yourself. You will no longer be turned by karma; instead, you will be able to transform your environment. You will be able to save beings without being influenced by them. You will then have the capacity to transform your past emotional ties into Dharma affinity. Instead of being saved by emotion, you will be able to use the Buddha’s teachings and the path to transform and inspire others. Helping them to escape the suffering of karma and the cycle of rebirth, and guiding them to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, is the true meaning of resolving emotional entanglements. It is the conclusion of the entanglements that have spanned many lifetimes, and it is the most wonderful outcome of all.
