Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, recorded and transcribed by ’s disciple, Venerable Fa Hui.
To understand the path of practice, one must first grasp the meaning of diligence. The term diligent practice is composed of two vital concepts. Diligence refers to the quality of being industrious and tireless in one's efforts. Practice, in this context, signifies a state of being both highly focused and constantly moving forward. Therefore, diligent practice is not merely working hard; it is the dedicated, focused, and unceasing advancement toward the ultimate goal of .
The Essential Jewels
Diligent practice extends far beyond the foundational daily practice that we have emphasised repeatedly, such as performing prostrations to the Buddha and chanting the name of Namo Amituofo. To truly progress, one must also embrace the following as indispensable Dharma Jewels:
Listen to Sutras and Hear the Dharma: Regularly attending Dharma talks is a vital component of your practice.
Internalising the Teachings: It is not enough to simply hear the words; you must allow the Dharma to enter your ears and settle deeply into your heart.
Resolving Obstacles: The teachings serve as the most effective remedy for clearing the barriers that hinder your spiritual growth and resolving the various difficulties encountered during your practice.
A true teacher is rare to encounter. When you are fortunate enough to meet a virtuous teacher who expounds the sutras and explains the Dharma, you must cherish the opportunity. By listening with a sincere heart, you gain the wisdom necessary to overcome the challenges that arise on your journey.
Clearing the Path to
Diligent practice is the ability to act where it is difficult to act and to understand where it is difficult to understand. This is a necessary condition for all patriarchs and venerable masters, for those who have realised their true nature, and for the practitioners of today who wish to achieve success in their spiritual cultivation. If you have the aspiration and the vow to save beings, you must first overcome the various obstacles within your own body and mind. You must transform your so that the impurities are removed and the original nature is revealed. Only then can you perceive the light within yourself.
Beyond resolving your own karmic debts, you must also accumulate merit and virtue, constantly increasing your moral conduct. This is the essential provision for saving both yourself and others. If these provisions are insufficient, you will be unable to save the beings within your own body, let alone possess the strength to rescue other suffering beings. Therefore, diligent practice is not only for the purpose of realising your true nature; it is also the effort required to achieve liberation from the cycle of rebirth and is an act of performed to save all beings.
Reflecting Upon Your Vows
I ask you now, my students: why have you come to the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre? During your time of practice here, have you truly maintained a spirit of diligent practice? Consider the true motivation behind your journey:
Are you seeking solutions to spiritual problems or healing for your physical body?
Have you made the vow to chant Namo Amituofo and seek rebirth in the Western Pure Land to escape the cycle of rebirth?
Is your goal to save your family members and parents so they no longer suffer within the cycle of rebirth?
Do you wish to save all sentient beings, helping them realise their true nature, leave suffering behind, and find happiness in the Western Pure Land?
Are you striving to inherit the Pure Land teachings and spread them throughout the world, and even into the vastness of the Dharma Realm, so that the holy name of Namo Amituofo may be widely proclaimed?
Regardless of your specific path, you must engage in diligent practice to achieve any measure of success. Namo Amituofo.
