Stop, Do Not Continue: Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju

Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, recorded by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe.

The Danger of Wandering Thoughts

The moment you allow your mind to drift away from the Buddha-name, delusions and messy thoughts begin to arise. You must maintain a high level of awareness at all times. When these thoughts appear, you must stop them immediately and do not let them continue. This is the only way to prevent confusion from taking root and to stop the cycle of afflictions from growing within your heart.

The Fire of Anger and Karma

When the self, personal ego, and selfishness arise, you immediately invite karma and karmic creditors to manifest. You must be especially vigilant regarding your anger. Even a subtle spark of anger can draw out karmic consequences that will cause you to suffer greatly. It is truly not worth it to let these fires burn. You must stop, and do not continue.

Restoring Stillness to the Heart

When your heart begins to ripple with emotion, you must use your awareness to catch it. As soon as you notice this disturbance, stop immediately and do not continue. Quickly raise the Buddha-name and focus your mind. Let your heart become calm and steady; only through this meditative concentration can you truly cease the disturbance.

Correcting Your Perceptions

Regarding certain people, matters, or objects, if you find yourself holding incorrect or unwholesome views, you must use your awareness to recognise them. When this awareness arises, you must quickly turn your perspective toward the right path. Stop, and do not continue.

Introspection and Purification

When you find that your thoughts are difficult to stop, or if you feel drowsy or find yourself entering other spaces, you must look within. There must be people, matters, or objects that you have not yet let go of, or perhaps you have engaged in biased or inappropriate behaviour. You must use your awareness to perceive these hidden attachments, then let go and change your ways. You must stop, and do not continue. Only then can you truly cease these thoughts, improve your state of drowsiness, and stop entering other spaces. Namo Amituofo.