The Path of Smooth Sailing

Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju:

Recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

First Session, May 12, 2024.

The Desire for Smooth Sailing

Whether we are travelling by car, by air, or by sea, we all share a common hope: that our journey will be smooth and free from obstacles. We desire a path where every step is easy and every turn is clear. However, life is inherently unpredictable. It is a vast, shifting landscape. Whether our journey through this life remains smooth or becomes filled with heavy obstacles depends entirely on the state of our heart and mind.

The Unmoved Heart

Ordinary people are easily swayed by the external world. When the environment changes, their minds fluctuate accordingly. However, those who have realised their true nature possess a heart that remains unmoved. They do not follow the external world; instead, they transform the world through the power of their own awakened mind. They are able to turn circumstances rather than being turned by them. Therefore, no matter what situation they encounter, their hearts remain at peace—a profound peace that is free from worry.

Navigating the Illusory

Consider the navigator of a ship. When the journey is smooth, the sea is calm, and one can clearly observe the life beneath the surface. This view is vastly different from the turbulent scenes of a storm. Yet, we must understand that all these sights—the calm and the storm alike—are merely illusory. They are manifestations of Causal Conditions, arising and ceasing in every moment. Do not develop attachment to these appearances, and do not stray from the right path. If you maintain this clarity, you will surely reach your destination.

The Constant Buddha-Name

Smooth sailing can be understood in terms of our external environment or our internal state. Even if the world around us changes in ten thousand ways, if our heart remains unchanged, we can navigate through any storm. We will sail directly to our destination. For those on this journey, the most vital practice is to keep the sound of Namo Amituofo constant. With Amitabha Buddha protecting us, we need not fear any situation. Because the Buddha-name is never interrupted, our rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss is certain.

Namo Amituofo