The Balance of Hardness and Softness

During the first session of the Thrice Yearning Ceremony, we are reminded of the profound lessons that guide our spiritual journey. On the fifth of December, 2020, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju offered a teaching on the essential balance of hardness and softness in our daily practice.

The True Meaning of Strength

To be soft yet capable of standing firm is the essence of true strength. Many people mistakenly equate softness with weakness, but this is a profound misunderstanding of the nature of the heart. Softness that possesses the capacity to overcome hardness is a sign of immense power. It is not a lack of resolve, nor is it a sign of being feeble or incapable. Regardless of the circumstances, to maintain a firm heart that remains unmoved is a capacity that is, unfortunately, universally lacking.

The Path of the Middle Way

We must be careful not to drift with the tide and lose our direction. Rigidity that drifts away from the true self is an excess; softness that drifts away from the true self is a deficiency. Both excess and deficiency are unsuitable for the practitioner. Finding the balance between hardness and softness provides the necessary flexibility; to be in sync with the true self is the middle way. By walking the middle way, you draw ever closer to the state of an awakened being!

A Blessing of Compassionate Guidance

Regardless of the path, having Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su as your compassionate guides, who follow and remind you, is the great blessing of the students of Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. You must cherish every moment that brings you closer to the true self! Life passes by like a fleeting flower; we do not know when we will have such a precious opportunity to encounter the truth again. This message was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

Namo Amituofo