The Journey of the Spirit

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

May 27, 2023.

Our spiritual life is without beginning or end. It is composed of many journeys, one after another, connected in an endless sequence. In each of these journeys, we take on a different name, assume a different role, and adopt a different identity. We perform our parts in the theatre of existence, acting out the scripts written by our past karma.

The Performance of Life

When one journey reaches its conclusion, we perform our final act of departure from the world. The curtain falls, we bow to the audience, and we immediately rush toward the next destination. In this way, we have spent countless days, repeating this cycle over and over again. We are like actors who have forgotten that we are merely performing, becoming so lost in the drama that we mistake the stage for our true home.

Have you ever considered that this life could be the turning point? You have the potential to become a traveller who is no longer restricted by the script of your journey. You can choose to take control of your own destiny, rather than being a puppet of your past actions.

Awakening to the True Self

To achieve this, you must settle your heart and mind. You must have the courage to face your true self. By listening to the inner voice of your spirit, you will begin to understand what you truly need. When you finally see clearly, you will realise that everything you have experienced in the past was merely a dream-like state. You have spent so much of your precious time in this dream, creating many negative causes and suffering the bitter fruits of those actions.

This life is no different. It is truly foolish to continue this cycle. Because the causes have already been sown, when the conditions mature, the results will manifest, and you will suffer greatly once again. How many more lifetimes will you spend in this state of confusion?

The Path Home

My dear children, this journey must take a turn. It is time to put in the work on the path of practice. You must strive to reach an awakened being, to find your original nature, and to gain the freedom to travel back and forth to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. You may also be guided by Practitioner Su, who is here to help you find your way.

In truth, your compassionate Father, Namo Amituofo, is already waiting for you at the crossroads. He is waiting to welcome you back to your true home in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Do not hesitate; fly toward Him and return to the peace that has always been yours.

Namo Amituofo