The Essence of Action: Doing and Acting

The Clarity of Direct Action

During the first session of the Thrice Yearning Ceremony, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju provided essential guidance on the nature of our daily lives and our spiritual practice. He taught us to simply act directly without hesitation or lingering thoughts. When one acts from the purity of the true self, there is no need for words or justifications. Why speak of what is already inherent in our nature? When we allow our senses—our eyes to see and our ears to hear—to be governed by the mind, we often become entangled in the world. If the heart is moved by these external perceptions, karma is born. To be truly wise is to act without the interference of the ego, without unnecessary thoughts, and without hidden desires.

The Roots of Samsara and the Path to Awakening

We must ask ourselves: why have we come into this world? Our existence is defined by our actions, yet we often live with selfishness, mental notes, and attachments. It is precisely these attachments that cause us to be reincarnated within the six realms of existence. When we act with a sense of self, we create discriminations that bind us to the cycle of rebirth. However, when we embrace the state of no-self and abandon all selfishness, we begin to align with the one true, awakened nature. This is the path to peace, and this is the path to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Cultivating Merit at Hsiang Kuang

At the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, we are here to cultivate our spiritual achievements through diligent practice. Every action we take is a form of cultivation. We are constantly accumulating merit and wisdom through our daily efforts. Whether we are working for the sake of the cycle of rebirth or for the sake of rebirth in the Western Pure Land, the results are vastly different. We must be clear in our intentions and act with sincerity. We must practise diligently to find our true self and to save ourselves and all beings. Do not let this precious human life pass in vain; choose the path of awakening and walk it with a steadfast heart.

This message was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

Namo Amituofo