Recorded and transcribed by ’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.
On the thirteenth of September, 2024, during the second session of the , Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju offered these profound teachings on the Heart of Perfect Harmony.
The Inherent Buddha-Heart
The Heart of Perfect Harmony is the true Buddha-heart. It is the heart of those who have realised their true nature. This heart is not something that must be created or sought from the outside; it is inherent within every one of us. It is complete, lacking nothing, and possesses a profound clarity where principles and phenomena are perfectly integrated. When one dwells in this state, every action becomes harmonious. This state of being allows one to transcend the limitations of the physical form, ensuring that you do not grow old, do not get sick, and the spirit does not die. Through the constant practice of chanting Namo Amituofo, one is assured of rebirth in the of Ultimate Bliss.
The Clarity of a Pure Mind
The Heart of Perfect Harmony is defined by its profound capacity for understanding and clarity. It is a state of mind that is transparent and bright, seeing through the illusions of the world with absolute lucidity. It is authentic and true, free from all falsehood, deception, and hypocrisy. It is selfless, operating without the interference of the ego or the sense of a separate self.
When you possess this heart, you understand the true reality of all things. You walk in accordance with the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. In this state, there is no suffering, no worry, and no disturbance. You are no longer trapped within the cycle of rebirth. By chanting Namo Amituofo, you secure your rebirth in the Western Pure Land, and you gain the ability to freely travel to and from the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss to assist others.
The Obstacles of the Ordinary Mind
This Heart of Perfect Harmony is something that all beings possess by nature. However, we cannot realise it because we are obscured by delusion, discrimination, and attachment. If you can let go of these three obstacles, you will immediately realise your true nature. Everything then returns to its natural, spontaneous state.
In contrast, the ordinary mind is a mind driven by and the cycle of rebirth. It is a mind defined by selfishness and ego, deeply rooted in ego-attachment and biased views. It constantly seeks to defend , which only serves to cover up the truth. It is trapped in endless cycles of delusion, discrimination, and attachment, unable to distinguish between true Goodness and evil.
The Path of Diligent Practice
There is a saying that Bodhisattvas fear the cause, while ordinary beings fear the result. Even worse, many people today have no fear of the laws of karma and cause and effect, or they do not believe in them at all. Consequently, they create negative karma and fall into the Three Evil Realms, wandering endlessly through the six realms of existence. This is why, when an ordinary person begins their practice, they must do so with clear intentions: to seek the Truth and the Right Way, to align their lives with the Universal Principle without deviation, and to attain a state where they do not grow old, do not get sick, and the spirit does not die.
By chanting Namo Amituofo and being reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, one ends the cycle of birth and death. Furthermore, one must make the great vows to cut off all afflictions, no matter how endless they may seem, and to save countless suffering beings. By learning and practising the Pure Land Gate, you enter the path of the Buddha with the ultimate vow to attain Buddhahood. Through active and persistent practice, you will eventually see your true nature.
The Vow to Save All Beings
The Heart of Perfect Harmony is the heart that enters into the compassionate work of Amitabha Buddha. It is the heart that seeks to save countless suffering beings, ensuring that no one is left behind in the darkness of samsara. May we all strive to uncover this heart and walk the path of liberation together.
