Teachings on Steady Practice: The Wisdom of Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju

Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

3 December 2021

The Foundation of Steady Practice

To walk with your feet firmly planted on the ground, step by step, is the essential path that every successful practitioner must traverse. In the practice of the Buddha Dharma, there is no such thing as reaching the heavens in a single leap. We must understand that spiritual progress is a process of consistent, diligent effort.

The Accumulation of Wholesome Seeds

Even when one speaks of sudden Awakening, that singular moment of clarity is not an accident. It is the culmination of countless moments of purification and the cultivation of wholesome thoughts. You must advance with steady, deliberate steps, leaving a clear footprint behind with every action you take. It is through this persistent, grounded approach that you prepare yourself for the final push—that crucial moment of insight where everything becomes clear.

Breaking Through Delusion

When that moment arrives, you will suddenly understand everything. This is how one breaks through delusion and attains enlightenment, revealing the full clarity, transparency, and complete awakening of the true nature. That very instant of Awakening is not the end of your journey; it is, in fact, a new beginning for your practice. After this Awakening, you must continue to practise with renewed vigour, for true cultivation begins only after one has seen the truth.

Taking the Great Stride

To take a great stride forward, you must first begin with small, consistent steps. Once you have established this foundation, you can take that great stride and embark upon the noble journey of saving the world and rescuing all beings. Let your practice be a beacon of light for all who suffer, guided by the infinite compassion of Namo Amituofo.

Namo Amituofo