The Importance of Observance in Our Practice

Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

Observance is far more than a simple adherence to regulations; it is a profound expression of our faith and a reflection of our internal commitment to the path. When we come together as a community, the act of observing our shared guidelines allows us to live in harmony, ensuring that we respect one another and avoid unnecessary conflict or discord. By upholding these standards together, we maintain the smooth operation of the temple and ensure that our daily lives remain firmly on the right path of practice.

The Gravity of Our Actions

What happens when we stray from this path? If a practitioner deviates from the established guidelines and, despite repeated counseling, refuses to change their ways, they must face the consequences. These consequences manifest in two ways:

• Temple Discipline: One will be subject to the necessary disciplinary measures of the centre to maintain the integrity of the community.
• Karmic Retribution: According to the laws of karma and cause and effect, such actions lead to severe spiritual consequences, including the potential for suffering in the hells.

All of you must be extremely cautious and mindful of this. Do not take these matters lightly, for the path of practice is a serious undertaking.

Individual Responsibility in the Community

It is important to remember that practice is ultimately your own business. Each of you must take full responsibility for your own duties and conduct. Adhering to the temple rules and the shared daily schedule is the most basic requirement for any practitioner. Do not allow the perceived faults of others to become a source of irritation or an obstacle to your own heart and your own practice. If you allow yourself to be distracted by the actions of others, you are only hindering your own progress.

The Path to Wisdom

The journey toward enlightenment is built upon a clear, sequential foundation:

• Precepts: You must carefully uphold the Precepts. This is the foundation of all spiritual success.
• Meditative Concentration: Only through the strict observance of these Precepts can you attain true meditative concentration.
• Wisdom: Once meditative concentration is stable, wisdom will naturally manifest.

If you observe the shortcomings or obstacles in the practice of others, you should use your own meditative concentration and ability to discern the truth to learn from their mistakes. Let their errors serve as a warning to you. Do not commit the same faults, do not create negative causes, and do not bring upon yourself the bitter harvest of evil consequences.

The Danger of Ignorance

We must be particularly wary of breaking the law while knowing the law, or even breaking it out of simple ignorance. The laws of karma and cause and effect are absolute and impartial. Even if you commit a transgression out of ignorance, you are still creating a negative cause, and you will still inevitably reap the evil consequences. To act according to one's own whims or to follow one's own personal schedule rather than the collective rhythm of the monastic community is a great detriment to the group. Such behaviour must be corrected immediately. You must turn back to the right path without delay.

Namo Amituofo