Standing Still or Moving Forward

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

30 December 2023

The Foundation of Spiritual Practice

The process of spiritual practice is fundamentally a journey of transformation. It requires us to look deeply into our past and present, acknowledging the weight of our actions. We must engage in the sincere process of repenting for the spiritual obstacles that have manifested from the various negative causes we have created in the past. Simultaneously, we must work diligently to change our ways regarding the "self," personal ego, and selfishness that manifest in our daily lives today.

The Heart as the Pivot of Progress

Whether you remain standing still or truly move forward on the path of practice depends entirely on your heart. The heart is the pivot upon which your entire spiritual life turns. It exerts a profound influence over both your body and your spirit: if your heart is not settled, your spirit will be restless and uneasy. When the spirit is unsettled, it becomes difficult for the body to remain healthy and vibrant. Conversely, when your heart is stable and calm, your spirit finds peace, and your body naturally thrives.

If you wish to make genuine progress in your practice, you must develop the ability to perceive and improve upon even the most subtle aspects of your character. If you fail to notice these minute manifestations of the "self," personal ego, and selfishness, or if you see them but lack the resolve to change, then these areas of pollution remain unpurified. Consequently, your spiritual practice will struggle to advance.

The Danger of Stagnation

If you cannot take charge of your own mind, these subtle layers of pollution will accumulate, layer upon layer. Over time, they will solidify into obvious obstacles that hinder your growth. When this happens, your practice will either stagnate in place or, worse, begin to regress. You must be vigilant, for the path to becoming an awakened being requires constant, mindful refinement.

The Power of the Buddha-Name

To move forward, you must chant Namo Amituofo with sincerity. Focus your heart entirely upon the Buddha-name. When you allow your own self-power arises to meet the infinite compassion of the Buddha, the Buddha's power can then truly be bestowed upon your chanting. This is a profound truth that you must personally experience through your own dedicated practice.

A Rare Opportunity in This Lifetime

My dear students, you have been blessed with a human body, which is an opportunity that is difficult to encounter even in millions of years. Now, you have the great fortune to encounter Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su. I, too, am among those who are dedicated to the work of saving the world and rescuing infinite suffering beings. This is truly an opportunity that is difficult to encounter even in millions of years. Do not let this life pass by in vain, only to fall back into being reincarnated. You must strive to realise your true nature, break through your current difficulties, and push forward with all your might until you reach the state of an awakened being.

Namo Amituofo