Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, recorded and transcribed by ’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.
During the first session of the held on October 6, 2024, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju offered profound guidance on the nature of our practice.
The Essence of the Straightforward Mind
A straightforward mind is one that is open, honest, and unencumbered by deception. It is a heart filled with the virtues of , , and Selfless Giving. When we speak of the bodhimanda, we are referring to the sacred space where we engage in practice, undergo purification, and strive to realise one's true nature and attain Buddhahood. To say that the "straightforward mind is the bodhimanda" is to point directly to the truth: your own heart is the very place where this transformation occurs.
This is the fundamental reality of our existence. The ancestral masters have clearly pointed out that the heart is the site of our . If you can truly grasp this insight, you will find that your practice begins to make significant progress. Spiritual practice is essentially the process of washing away the stains of ignorance and karmic habits, allowing your original, luminous, and pure heart to manifest once more.
The True Face of Your Original Nature
Your original nature is the true face of your heart. It is entirely free from any form of pollution; it is defined only by purity, goodness, and an unselfish concern for all beings. Therefore, if you wish to realise your true self, you must ensure that your daily life aligns with this nature:
Physical Conduct: Your actions must be consistent with the purity of your true nature.
Speech: Your words should reflect the sincerity and compassion of an awakened being.
Mental Intentions: Your thoughts must be in sync with the truth, avoiding the traps of confusion.
If your conduct does not align with your true nature and instead causes others to slander the , this is a grave transgression. This is why the observance of the is so vital. Before you have fully realised your true nature, you remain a being governed by . You must not allow your Six Roots to become attached to the external world. Maintaining the purity and goodness of your Body-Mind-Spirit at all times is the most important aspect of your daily practice.
The Bodhimanda as a Sanctuary for Growth
The bodhimanda serves as a sanctuary that supports your journey in several essential ways:
Self-Reflection: It helps you identify your shortcomings and past mistakes so that you may correct them and ensure they are never repeated.
Transformation of Character: It allows you to recognise your stubbornness and rigid personality, providing the environment to soften your heart and cultivate flexibility.
Diligent Practice: It is a place for focused diligent practice to dissolve your karma and reduce your transgressions, provided you follow the rules of the centre and engage in sincere self-cultivation.
Hearing the Dharma: It is a place to listen to sutras and hear the Dharma, ensuring that your life is guided by the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way.
Spiritual Deliverance: It assists your by inviting them to hear the Dharma, facilitating their resolution, and guiding them through to the of Ultimate Bliss.
Ultimately, the bodhimanda is the place where you undergo the purification necessary to realise one's true nature and attain Buddhahood. May you always keep this truth in your heart as you chant Namo Amituofo all the way.
