The Preciousness of This Current Life: Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju

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

November 5, 2023.

Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju offers these teachings: To possess this human body in this current life is already a rare and precious occurrence. To hear the Buddha’s teachings is an even more difficult achievement. To encounter the Pure Land path is a hardship among hardships, none greater than this. Furthermore, to be able to meet Namo Amituofo, the Teacher, and Practitioner Su all at once is an opportunity that is difficult to encounter even in millions of years. It is truly an event that is difficult to encounter in millions of years.

The Endless Wandering Through the Six Realms

Throughout our beginningless past, we have been constant guests within the six realms of existence. We have wandered through various spaces and different dimensions, living and experiencing countless lives. In each of these existences, we have had different encounters and formed various karmic connections with other beings. These beings, whom we have met in our past lives, are now scattered across this world and other realms.

If they are still trapped within the cycle of being reincarnated, they are continuously suffering through the endless process of birth, aging, sickness, and death. If they are spirits, then unless they receive the benefit of Chao Du at Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, they have very little chance of achieving rebirth in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.

The Heavy Burden of Impermanence

Students of Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, as you reflect upon this current life, have you truly observed the suffering of your family members and loved ones? Consider the realities of life: the pain of aging, which gradually strips away our vitality; the agony of sickness, which brings physical and mental distress; and the sorrow of death, which separates us from those we hold dear.

Are you perhaps currently experiencing the suffering of aging and sickness yourself, finding it difficult to maintain control over your own body and mind? These sufferings are endless. In truth, every form of hardship you see today has been experienced countless times in your past lives. In this current life, based on your individual Causal Conditions, you are merely repeating the same cycle of suffering once again.

The Path to Our Eternal Spiritual Home

When will you finally be able to find liberation and no longer be entangled by these various sufferings? The answer lies in your practice during this time at Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. If you can be fiercely diligent in your practice, you will be able to see your true self. By doing so, you will be able to enter the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.

This is the only way to escape the sufferings and impermanence that have plagued you for aeons. It is the only way to allow your eternal spiritual life to find its true and final home.

Namo Amituofo