The Path of Mindfulness: Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju

The Inevitability of Impermanence

During the second session of the Thrice Yearning Ceremony, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju offered vital guidance on the necessity of constant mindfulness. We must be deeply aware of the nature of impermanence. It is a force that does not wait for anyone, nor does it pause for our convenience. It does not show favouritism, nor does it consider our personal emotions or attachments. Because everything is in a state of constant flux, we must recognise that our time in this world is fleeting and fragile.

The Trap of Wandering Thoughts

We must also be mindful of our wandering thoughts. These thoughts are often incessant, difficult to stop, and frequently occur without our conscious awareness. When our minds drift into biased or distorted thinking, we create negative causes. Every such thought carries a consequence, and we must understand that all manifestations of distorted thinking will eventually bear fruit in the form of karma.

The Weight of Memory and Resentment

Furthermore, we must be mindful of how we engage with our memories. Whether we are recalling moments of joy, profound sorrow, or experiences that we find difficult to forget, these recollections can pull us into a different space. When we dwell on past glories or experiences that left a deep mark on our hearts, we lose our connection to the present.

We must be especially cautious regarding resentment and complaints. These negative states of mind often serve to trigger past events. Even though the time and space of those past events are different from our current reality, the act of dwelling on them awakens our past karmic creditors and the karma we have accumulated. Consequently, we find ourselves suffering the results of these past actions in the present time.

The Urgency of Practice

We must be mindful of the danger of ignoring wise counseling. When we turn a deaf ear to the truth, we inevitably suffer a loss and endure unnecessary hardship. The consequences of such neglect are often immediate and painful. Furthermore, we must be mindful of the relentless passage of time. Time flows by, second by second, and it has never waited for anyone. Once a moment has passed, it is gone forever and can never be reclaimed. Therefore, you must cherish and grasp the present moment with all your heart.

Finally, be mindful of any tendency toward laxity. If you choose to forgive your own lack of discipline, you risk losing the most precious opportunity to become an awakened being. Do not let your practice falter, for the path to liberation requires constant vigilance and a sincere heart.

This record of teachings was written by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.