Riding the Wind and Breaking the Waves

Thrice Yearning Ceremony, Second Session

Riding the Wind and Breaking the Waves

Teachings by Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, recorded by Chief Writer Venerable HaiZe

12 June 2021

The Turbulent Sea of Existence

The waves are surging and turbulent, creating a treacherous path for any traveller. If you are a navigator seeking to reach your destination, you must carefully observe the signs of the heavens. You must wait for the waters to calm before you can sail smoothly forward. Most people in this world choose to anchor their ships and wait when the winds and waves grow fierce. They do this to avoid the peril of losing their lives in the storm, prioritising their own safety above all else.

The Compassionate Navigator

However, those who possess true attainment and the great power to save the world see things differently. When they witness the suffering of beings, their hearts are moved by pure compassion. They are not concerned with their own comfort; instead, they race against time, driven by a single, unwavering purpose: to save and liberate all beings. Even when the waves rise high and the storm threatens to engulf them, they know they must cross the sea. They are willing to risk their lives, braving the wind and breaking through the waves, because they are committed to the journey. They sail forward with the hope of guiding all beings to the other shore.

The Response of the Spiritual Realms

Throughout history, those who have dedicated themselves to saving the world during times of crisis have often been assisted by auspicious signs. These signs are not mere coincidences; they are manifestations of the spiritual realms responding to the virtue and great compassion of the saviour. When a practitioner’s heart is perfectly aligned with the desire to save others, they naturally call forth this support, allowing them to achieve their noble purpose of liberation.

The Karma of Conditions

Sometimes, despite the greatest efforts, a vessel may not be able to cross the sea successfully. When this happens, we must understand that it is a matter of the karmic conditions of the beings involved. If the conditions are not yet ripe, we must wait patiently until the time is right to set sail again. Conversely, if the vessel successfully crosses the sea and the beings are saved, it is a profound blessing for all those who were waiting to be rescued. This is the nature of the work of salvation—a constant, diligent effort to align with the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way, ensuring that when the moment arrives, we are ready to bring others to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Namo Amituofo