The Nature of Suffering and the Path to Liberation

The Thrice Yearning Ceremony is a sacred time for reflection on the nature of our existence. During the third session of this ceremony, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju provided these essential teachings on the nature of suffering, guiding us toward the path of true liberation.

The Roots of Our Discontent

What is the true nature of suffering? It is the heavy burden of our own attachments. Greed, Anger, Ignorance, Arrogance, and Doubt, combined with our relentless pursuit of wealth, lust, fame, food, and sleep, are the sources of suffering. When the heart is overwhelmed by conflicting emotions and the mind fluctuates, we suffer. When delusions arise incessantly and we find ourselves unable to control the cycle of birth, aging, sickness, and death, we are trapped. Whether before the Buddha or wandering the world, the cycle of the six realms of rebirth continues without pause. This is the essence of our shared suffering.

The Stillness of the Heart

Suffering arises from the heart and manifests through our actions. It is entirely a product of a moving mind; as long as the mind remains in motion, suffering persists. However, when the mind is still, we attain meditative concentration. This is the key to stopping suffering, transcending it, and eventually reaching a state where there is no suffering at all.

The Path to Ultimate Liberation

To be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss is to achieve the ultimate leaving suffering and gaining happiness. By engaging in practice to rediscover your true self and Dharma Body, you save yourself and all beings. Only by becoming an awakened being can you truly take charge of your life and leave suffering behind. Remember that the experience of suffering and happiness is your own responsibility; no one can bear these burdens for you. Suffering is self-inflicted, not imposed by external forces.

Students of Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, you must recognise the laws of the world, understand the nature of suffering, and learn the method to leave it behind. Advance until you are free from suffering, and put these teachings into practice with sincerity. Recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.