Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, recorded and transcribed by ’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.
During the third session of the held on the 14th of December, 2024, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju provided this essential guidance for all practitioners.
The Wisdom of Silence and Recitation
To speak less and chant Buddha's name more is a profound truth shared by the great masters of the school. It is a simple yet transformative instruction that cuts directly to the heart of our practice. As the renowned Master Hong Yi once famously taught:
Speak one word less, chant one Buddha's name more; when the wandering thoughts are extinguished, your will manifest.
This teaching reveals a fundamental secret of the spiritual path. If you wish for your original Body to manifest, you must be able to subdue your wandering thoughts. This is especially true for the thoughts that arise from selfishness and the attachment to a false sense of self. You must progress from merely subduing these thoughts to stopping them entirely, and eventually, to cutting them off at the root.
The Challenge of the Age of the Dharma’s Decline
In this current age of the Dharma’s decline, it is incredibly difficult for beings to remain still. Every thought and intention that arises is often tainted by , and thus, every thought becomes a source of spiritual debt. Because our minds are constantly active, stopping the flow of thoughts feels like an impossible task for most people.
However, the Buddha is infinitely compassionate. He understands the habits and limitations of all beings. This is why He encourages us to chant the name of Namo Amituofo. By chanting, you receive the Buddha's , which provide the strength necessary to subdue and stop your wandering thoughts. This is the most reliable way to achieve success in your practice.
The Direct Link Between Speech and Karma
Until you have achieved a high level of meditative concentration, your heart will remain unsettled and prone to fluctuation. When you speak, your heart follows the movement of your thoughts, and your karma manifests in direct response to those thoughts. This relationship is both immediate and powerful.
If you speak words that are not good, you create negative karma, which leads to suffering.
If you speak words that are kind and virtuous, you create good karma, which leads to peace and happiness.
Within the ten evil deeds, the karma created through speech is particularly damaging to your practice. Specifically, there are four types of oral karma that you must be vigilant against:
Divisive speech: Words that cause conflict or separate others.
Harsh speech: Words that are cruel, aggressive, or hurtful.
Lying: Words that are dishonest or deceptive.
Idle chatter: Words that are frivolous, meaningless, or distracting.
These four forms of oral karma act as significant spiritual obstacles to your progress.
Dissolving Karma and Stopping New Suffering
True practice involves not only the dissolution of old karma but also the cessation of creating new karma. As the saying goes, you must resolve to dissolve your old karma while ensuring that you do not create new suffering. To stop the manifestation of karma, you must begin by exercising discipline over your three modes of action:
Body: Your physical actions and conduct.
Speech: The words you choose to utter.
Mind: The thoughts and intentions you harbour.
Only by stopping the creation of new karma can you achieve true purification of your body, mind, and spirit.
The Two-Fold Power of Practice
To speak less and chant Buddha's name more is a method that utilises two distinct forces. Speaking less is an act of self-effort, while chanting Namo Amituofo allows you to receive the Buddha's blessings. By combining these two forces, you create a powerful and effective method for stopping the accumulation of karma and accelerating your purification. We encourage you to embrace this practice with sincerity and diligence, for it is the surest way to return to your true nature and find your way to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
