Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, recorded by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe.
March 11, 2022.
The Noise of the External World
From the moment we are born, we begin to express our needs through sounds and physical movements. As we grow and interact with others, this necessity for external expression only intensifies. We rely on language, facial expressions, and various social behaviours to convey who we are. We do this to gain the recognition, understanding, and responses of those around us. In our modern society, the ability to perform and present oneself has become a fundamental condition for survival. We strive to fit into groups, to achieve success, and to secure fame and wealth. Consequently, expressing ourselves has become a habitual, constant state of being.
The Cost of Constant Seeking
Because we are so focused on these external pursuits, we consistently look outward. In doing so, we forget or ignore the need to develop our inherent qualities and original nature. We have forgotten what it truly means to be quiet, to be still, and to embrace silence. We do not know how to listen, nor do we understand how to learn from the inner voice that resides within us. We have become strangers to our own hearts and minds. This disconnection is the root cause of the spiritual emptiness, restlessness, anxiety, and fear that plague so many people today. This is the current, unfortunate norm of the human world.
The Inward Path of Buddhist Education
Many people are aware that they suffer from these inner conflicts, yet they do not know how to resolve them. They seek help through medical channels or psychological counselling, but these methods often fail to address the core of the problem. They do not realise that the Buddha’s teachings offer a way to resolve these issues from the very root. Practice, as taught in the Buddha’s teachings, is entirely different from worldly education. It is not about acquiring more external knowledge; it is about turning your gaze inward to explore the depths of your own heart.
The Practice of Silence
By embracing the practice of silence, you can learn to listen to and understand your inner needs and the true voice of your spirit. Silence is a powerful tool for self-reflection. Through it, you can begin to improve your character, address your personal shortcomings, and resolve your inner confusion. When you cultivate this stillness, you will find that you no longer feel the need to blame others or fixate on their faults. You will find that you can gradually let go of the that cloud your clarity:
Greed: The insatiable desire for more.
Anger: The reactive fire that burns your own peace.
Ignorance: The lack of understanding regarding the truth of existence.
Arrogance: The pride that separates you from others.
Doubt: The hesitation that prevents you from trusting the Right Way.
Returning to Your True Self
We must acknowledge that our own strength is often insufficient to overcome these deep-seated habits. We require the compassionate help of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and our teachers. Through the process of purification, changing our thoughts, and correcting our past mistakes, we begin to transform both our inner and outer worlds. We move toward a state of being that is calm, gentle, and filled with Goodness. This is the true essence of your heart; this is what you truly need. Only by turning inward can you rediscover your true self. Do not look for it in the external world, for it has been within you all along. My dear children, you must learn to do this: be silent, listen, and truly understand the voice and the needs of your inner spirit.
