Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, recorded and transcribed by ’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.
On the twenty-fourth of November, 2024, during the midday offering of the , Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju provided profound guidance on the essence of our spiritual journey.
The Path to True
Many ask what it means to seek the . To seek the Dharma is to seek the path of purification that leads to Awakening. It is the pursuit of the method that allows one to realise one's true nature and attain Buddhahood within a single lifetime. We seek the path to discard our deep-seated confusion and attain true purity. We seek the method to change personality traits and the way to participate in our morning service with full presence, free from being drowsy, and with the ability to enter the space of the Dharma.
If you wish for your pursuit of the Dharma to bear fruit, you must first learn to let go of . This includes letting go of your rigid personality, your habitual patterns, your ego-attachment, your personal views, and your subjective opinions. The more thoroughly you can release this sense of self, the more deeply the Dharma can enter your heart. Only then will you be able to embrace others with true and a vast mind-capacity, and only then will you possess the Wisdom to handle the various circumstances you encounter in life.
The Necessity of Surrendering the Ego
If you can successfully change your ways and transition into a state of , and if you act strictly in accordance with the Dharma, you will surely receive immense benefits. However, if you still cling to your ego, even if you were to obtain the supreme Dharma—the method of realise one's true nature and attain Buddhahood—it would be difficult for you to achieve any real spiritual success. The ego acts as a barrier, preventing the light of the Dharma from illuminating your original nature.
The Spirit of the Seeker
The spirit of seeking the Dharma is defined by unwavering perseverance. It is the resolve to not retreat easily until the goal is reached. A true practitioner must be prepared to endure the various tests that arise on the path:
Tests from demons: Challenges that arise to distract or mislead you.
Tests from : The ripening of past actions that may cause obstacles.
Tests from beings: Interactions with others that challenge your patience and compassion.
Tests from the Buddha: Subtle situations designed to check the depth of your sincerity and practice.
Every single test you encounter is an opportunity to examine how much you have truly listen to sutras and hear the Dharma, and how much you have diligently practised purification in your daily life.
Maintaining an Unmoved Mind
Regardless of the people, events, or environments you face—whether you are met with slander, the distortion of facts, or praise—you must maintain a state of meditative concentration. You must keep your heart unmoved and free from ripples. Even if the external situation is dynamic, your inner state must remain unshaken. While you may use Wisdom to navigate external challenges, the ultimate goal is to keep your heart still. If you can remain unmoved, you are moving straightforwardly along the path, and you have passed the test.
Even if you have not yet achieved your goal and have not yet passed every test, you should still maintain a heart of gratitude. Be grateful to those who challenge you, for they allow you to see where you are still lacking. Continue to work hard at your diligent practice, overcome your being drowsy, and enter the space of the Dharma. By doing so, you will surely realise your true nature and attain Buddhahood sooner rather than later.
