Seeking and Vowing: Teachings from Teacher-Practitioner Xia Lianju

The Weight of Our Past

Due to deep-seated spiritual obstacles and the heavy burden of the 'self,' personal ego, and selfishness, you may find that even when you repent for your past mistakes, it remains difficult to truly change your ways. You feel the weight of your history pressing down upon you, making progress seem elusive. In these moments, you must turn to the Buddha with a sincere heart. Seek the Buddha's compassion to provide you with the strength and guidance you need. Make a firm vow to cultivate the perseverance and awareness required to change your ways, ensuring that you do not repeat the same errors again.

The Illusion of Right and Wrong

Often, your anger arises far too easily. When things do not go according to your personal desires, you immediately assume that you are right and others are wrong. In that moment of judgment, your expression shifts, your tone of voice hardens, and your heart closes. You must recognise this anger for what it is—a manifestation of your own shortcomings. Seek the Buddha's compassion to guide you in seeing your own faults and inadequacies clearly. To truly progress, you must:

• Let go of your past attachments, subjective views, and rigid experiences.
• Humbly accept the guidance of a true spiritual friend.
• Create the necessary conditions for purification and the realisation of an awakened being.

You must be willing to let go of your habitual tendencies. As your compassion and mind-capacity expand, you will find the strength to embrace the shortcomings of others, treating them with gentleness, patience, and kindness.

The Vigilance of the Mind

Because of our inherent ignorance, we often fail to notice the subtle movements of our own minds. We allow ourselves to be constantly swayed by our thoughts and negative impulses. When we do this, we inadvertently allow our karmic creditors to manifest, which leads to the visible signs of ageing and the onset of illness. Seek the Buddha's compassion to guide you in this struggle. You must hold fast to the name of Namo Amituofo, never allowing wandering thoughts or delusions to enter your mind. In the most subtle moments of your daily life, you must be especially cautious. Do not let your mind be disturbed; instead, maintain your meditative concentration to face every situation with clarity and peace.

A Path of Constant Renewal

The journey of practice is one of constant renewal. By seeking the Buddha's grace and making sincere vows, you align yourself with the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. This is how you leave suffering behind and find true happiness. Remember that every moment is an opportunity to return to your original nature. By remaining vigilant, practising with sincerity, and relying on the power of Namo Amituofo, you will surely find your way back to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

Namo Amituofo