The Labour of Compassion: Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju

The Heart of a True Practitioner

What kind of heart is required to willingly offer one’s entire being, labouring both in mind and body, with the sole hope that the fourfold assembly (monks, nuns, laymen, laywomen) may achieve their spiritual achievements? It is a heart born of deep expectation for the transmission of the Pure Land teachings. This expectation is rooted in the desire for the fourfold assembly (monks, nuns, laymen, laywomen) to be free from all worldly anxieties, allowing them to let go of everything that binds them to the cycle of rebirth. By doing so, they may focus their energy on diligent practice, with the ultimate goal of realising their true nature and achieving the state of an awakened being as soon as possible.

The Unprecedented Grace of Namo Amituofo

What is the driving force that compels one to labour so tirelessly, resting for only two hours a day, and even using those precious moments of rest to visualise Chao Du for sentient beings? It is the profound realisation that Namo Amituofo has descended to truly abide at Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. This is an event of such magnificent significance, something that has never occurred before in our world. Knowing the preciousness of Namo Amituofo, and understanding that this is the fastest opportunity for all beings to be saved and to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, one must strive with utmost diligence. One must align their heart, their Buddha-vow, and their Buddha-actions with the Buddha, so that Namo Amituofo will not depart.

The Unceasing Vow of Compassion

Even for one who has already attained the state of an awakened being and possesses the ability to use the Dharma Body to perform Chao Du for sentient beings, helping endless spirits leave suffering behind and be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, there is no room for complacency. Not a single minute or second can be wasted. What is the reason for this constant, unceasing effort to lecture and teach the Dharma? It is the power of great compassion. It is the hope that when the fourfold assembly (monks, nuns, laymen, laywomen) gathers to listen to sutras and hear the Dharma, their karmic creditors are also present to listen.

Resolving the Cycle of Samsara

When these karmic creditors listen to the teachings, they begin to understand the laws of karma and cause and effect. They come to realise that the cycle of retribution—It continues to grow and consume beings without pause.—must come to an end. Through this understanding, they can resolve their deep-seated grievances and cease their pursuit of revenge. Once these karmic creditors are delivered and reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, the fourfold assembly (monks, nuns, laymen, laywomen), especially the monks and nuns, can practise without interference. This allows them to focus on their diligent practice and reach the state of an awakened being sooner. All of this work, this immense labour of heart and body, is carried out by Practitioner Su at Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. It is a testament to the power of a vow that seeks only to save all beings.

Namo Amituofo