The Fleeting Nature of Time

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

August 13, 2021.

The Illusion of Endless Time

We often find ourselves caught in the relentless rush of daily life, moving from one task to the next without pause. It is only when we are startled by the passage of the seasons that we realise how quickly the years have slipped away. We live as if we have an eternity, yet we often find that time is never truly enough for the things that matter most. It is precisely in these moments of reflection that we begin to realise our own shortcomings and the fragility of our existence.

The Urgency of the Spiritual Path

When we finally resolve to intensify our practice, we may discover that our physical strength is no longer what it once was. The signs of age have already appeared, and the vitality of youth has faded. Time flies like an arrow, never pausing for anyone. We remember our younger days, filled with vigour and ambition, yet now we find ourselves in the twilight of our lives. This is why the path of practice requires us to move forward with unwavering focus. We must proceed directly, without stopping, and without looking back. We must chant Namo Amituofo all the way, ensuring that our commitment to the path remains steadfast regardless of the changing conditions of the world.

Finding Buddhahood at Hsiang Kuang

Time waits for no one, and the cycle of rebirth continues to turn. Do not let the precious opportunity for an awakened being slip through your fingers. We must cherish every moment, for the path to become a Buddha is found right here at Hsiang Kuang. By dedicating ourselves to the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way, we can transcend the limitations of the physical body and return to our original nature. Let us not waste another moment, but instead, commit ourselves fully to the practice that leads to rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Namo Amituofo