Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, recorded by Venerable HaiZe.
June 30, 2023
True repentance is a state that is difficult to encounter and even more difficult to fully realise. This is because it is not merely a superficial act; it requires a comprehensive transformation that encompasses the three fundamental dimensions of our existence: the heart, , and the spirit.
The Heart of Repentance
To begin the process of true repentance, one must first look deeply into the heart. You must truly understand and accept the reality of your past lives. Throughout the immeasurable and boundless cycle of rebirth, we have all committed countless transgressions. It is not only the Greed, Anger, Ignorance, Arrogance, and Doubt that have clouded our minds, nor is it merely our attachment to wealth, lust, fame, food, and sleep. We have acted with profound selfishness, arrogance, and cruelty.
In our pursuit of personal gain, we have often caused great harm to others:
We have injured or taken the lives of other beings.
We have seized the property, families, and livelihoods of others.
We have used our influence to bully the weak, creating a cycle where beings continue to grow and consume one another without pause.
The list of our past transgressions is endless. Whether the karmic consequences have already manifested in your life or are yet to appear, you must recognise these past errors and resolve to change your ways immediately.
The Body in Action
Repentance must also manifest through the body. It is not enough to simply know that one has erred; one must possess the firm resolve to never repeat those mistakes. Even if your life in this current existence appears virtuous and free from obvious evil, you must examine yourself with great care. If a true spiritual friend points out a flaw you have not yet noticed, or if you become aware of a negative personality trait, you must treat it as a serious warning. You must be vigilant and resolve never to repeat such actions. If you continue to commit the same errors, the cycle of suffering will persist, and you will remain trapped in the cycle of rebirth.
To guide your conduct, you must follow the teachings through the practice of the Five and the Ten Good Deeds:
The Five Precepts: Refraining from killing, stealing, adultery, lying, and the consumption of intoxicants.
The Ten Good Deeds: Cultivating purity in body, speech, and mind by avoiding killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying, harsh speech, divisive speech, idle chatter, greed, anger, and delusion.
These are the fundamental tools for self-reflection and repentance. By practising daily self-reflection, you will become increasingly aware of even the most subtle faults. As you commit to never repeating these actions, you will truly change your ways and prevent the manifestation of bitter karmic fruits.
The Spirit and Karmic Balance
Finally, we must address the spirit. When heavy manifests, our three hun souls and seven po souls may become unsettled, often influenced by and attached spirits. This can lead to a state of deep anxiety, where one feels as though they have lost their soul or are unable to maintain their composure. In such moments, it is essential to rely on the guidance of the Buddha, Bodhisattvas, or a true spiritual friend to help restore balance to your spirit.
During these times, you must:
Chant with sincerity.
Perform prostrations to the Buddha to humble the ego.
Engage in Generosity and serve the community to accumulate merit and virtue.
Cultivate both and wisdom, dedicating all merit to your karmic creditors and attached spirits.
If your heavy karma has not yet manifested, you are in a fortunate position. This is the perfect time to deepen your practice. The less you are burdened by past pollution, the easier it is to study and practise the Buddha's teachings. By reducing these obstacles, you can prevent the manifestation of heavy karma and overcome the stubbornness of your personality. This allows your purification to proceed without interference, enabling you to move directly toward your goal.
Under the guidance and protection of the Buddha, Bodhisattvas, and true spiritual friends, this is the most auspicious time for you to realise your true nature. You must seize this opportunity with urgency and do not let this precious chance for slip away.
