Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju offers these profound insights into the nature of our existence. Beings suffer, but one must ask: where does this suffering truly originate? It stems from the relentless pressure of karmic debts accumulated over countless lifetimes. We are bound by the cycle of rebirth, subjected to the eight fundamental sufferings that define our existence in the six realms:
The suffering of birth, which marks our entry into this world of pain.
The suffering of ageing, as our physical forms inevitably decline.
The suffering of sickness, which plagues and mind.
The suffering of death, the final transition that we fear so deeply.
The suffering of not obtaining what one desires.
The suffering of being separated from those we love.
The suffering of being forced to encounter those we resent.
The suffering of the five aggregates, which flare up like a raging fire within us.
These sufferings press upon us one after another. We lose the ability to govern our own lives, and we cannot find a single moment of true peace or stillness.
Trapped in the Burning House
The Three Realms are often described as a burning house, and all beings on this Earth are trapped within it. Many are so deeply lost in their confusion that they do not even realise they are dwelling in a house consumed by flames. They see the fire spreading before them, yet they are unable to escape. Others are acutely aware of the danger; they know they are surrounded by fire and desperately wish to flee, yet they find no path to safety. They suffer within the flames, powerless to leave, forced to endure whatever fate the fire dictates. This is the reality for beings living in this age of the ’s decline.
The Sanctuary of Hsiang Kuang
If you wish to be saved, the path is the only path that leads to certain success. This is the compassionate guidance provided by Shakyamuni Buddha, and it is a truth that all practitioners must hold firmly in their hearts. Today, the fourfold assembly of disciples is fortunate to be situated on sacred ground—the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, the place where truly abides. This is a magnificent blessing beyond measure.
Because the Buddha-light shines everywhere, it allows the assembly to cleanse their impurities and cultivate goodness. The teachings provided by Namo Amituofo, the lectures given by Practitioner Su, the constant resolution of , and the spiritual deliverance through in our Dharma assemblies are all supported by the Buddha's . However, you must not rely solely on the power of the Buddha.
The Synergy of and
When you are chanting Namo Amituofo, performing prostrations, reciting the sutras, attending Dharma assemblies, or listening to sutras and hearing the Dharma, you must ensure that your own self-power arises. You must engage in diligent practice. Only when your own efforts are sincere and consistent can the Buddha's blessings truly take hold. If you remain passive, the Buddha's power cannot fully manifest within you.
Many disciples in the fourfold assembly still struggle with or the phenomenon of entering other spaces during their practice. You know that this is a form of suffering, yet it happens repeatedly. This is a clear sign that your is heavy. While the Buddha's power is always present to assist you, your own self-power is either insufficient or has not yet been fully activated. Consequently, the resolution of your problems remains limited, and you find yourself merely walking in place.
as the Path to Liberation
If your thoughts remain scattered and your personality remains unchanged, how can you expect to resolve the conflicts with your karmic creditors? Beings cause themselves suffering in body, heart, and spirit. You must realise that your karmic creditors are suffering even more than you are. When you are in pain, they are in even greater agony. Furthermore, you must remember that you are also a being among beings. To save other beings is to save yourself, and to save yourself is to save other beings.
You must cultivate a heart of compassion and act with Wisdom. Engage in diligent practice, and summon the strength of perseverance and courage to overcome these obstacles. I hope that the fourfold assembly will take these words to heart and put them into actual practice. Only then will you be able to leave suffering behind and find true happiness.
