The Path to Heightened Awareness

Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

May 14, 2022.

The Radiance of Your True Nature

Awareness is synonymous with your Buddha-nature, your inherent capacity for understanding, and your keen, sensitive perception of the world around you. When you engage in pure practice and make steady progress, this awareness will naturally reveal itself from within your heart. It is not something that must be sought externally, but rather something that is uncovered as your mind becomes increasingly clear and settled.

The Courage to Face Your Faults

If you realise that you have committed a fault, you must have the courage to take full responsibility for your actions. You must change your ways immediately rather than seeking excuses to forgive yourself. If you choose to forgive yourself without truly repenting, you will inevitably repeat the same mistakes. This cycle only serves to deepen your karmic burden, leading you to suffer the bitter fruits of your actions. True progress requires the honesty to confront your shortcomings and the determination to rectify them.

The Foundation of the Three Learnings

Raising your level of awareness and sharpening your perception is both a vital part of your diligent practice and a fruit of your purification. This heightened state allows you to make correct decisions and issue the right commands in every moment of your life. The Three Learnings of Precepts, Samadhi, and Wisdom form the very foundation of the Buddha’s teachings. Your awareness and keen perception are essential tools that help you succeed in these Three Learnings. Conversely, as you apply these Three Learnings in your daily life, they will in turn further elevate your awareness.

The Path to True Awakening

By working to remove defilements and attain purity, you will become purer and more virtuous with each passing day. When you maintain this awareness at all times and find understanding in every place, you will eventually reach the moment of true awakening and realise your true nature. This is the ultimate goal of our practice, leading us to leave suffering behind and find happiness. Namo Amituofo.