The Stubborn Stone Nods Its Head

Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

The Resonance of Truth

It is said that even a stubborn stone, upon hearing the profound Dharma, can find its heart softened and nod in agreement. This is not merely a metaphor; it signifies that the one who teaches has spoken with such clarity and depth that the message has penetrated the very essence of the Buddha-heart. When the Dharma is delivered with such purity, even the most unyielding and inanimate objects seem to respond, acknowledging the truth of the teachings.

The Buddha’s teachings often utilise examples and metaphors to help the listener grasp the subtle and profound meanings contained within the scriptures. It is the mark of a true teacher to use simple, accessible language to convey the vast, infinite wisdom of the Buddha. More importantly, the Dharma is not a distant, unreachable philosophy. It is a practical guide that must be applied to one’s daily life and spiritual practice. The true skill of a teacher lies in their ability to help the listener leave suffering behind and overcome the cycle of birth, aging, sickness, and death.

The Infinite Path of Buddhist Education

Buddhist education is boundless and infinite, standing in stark contrast to the limited knowledge of the worldly realm. A true teacher possesses the wisdom to observe the capacity of their students and provide teachings that are perfectly suited to their needs. By grounding their guidance in the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way, they ensure that the teachings are both appropriate and effective.

Through this alignment with the truth, the teacher guides practitioners, helping them to break free from the cycle of rebirth. This is the path of right faith and right understanding in Buddhist education. As practitioners engage in this process, they must move forward step by step, practising with sincerity and diligence. By doing so, they can remove defilements, attain purity, and eventually realise their true nature and attain Buddhahood.

The Sanctuary of Hsiang Kuang

At the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, under the compassionate guidance of Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su, we witness this transformation daily. Many beings from the spirit realms, having suffered for aeons, have come to understand their own pain and have received the benefits of the Dharma. Through the power of Chao Du performed by Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su, these beings are given the precious opportunity to find liberation from the cycle of rebirth and to find rebirth in the Western Pure Land.

A Call to Awakening

The question remains for all students of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre: under the guidance of Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su, are you also able to open your hearts and minds, nodding in agreement like the stubborn stone? When the true reality of all phenomena enters your heart, you must allow it to transform your actions through Faith, Vows, and Practice.

It is through active and persistent practice that you will undergo purification. Only then can you truly join the ranks of those who have attained Awakening. Let us cherish this opportunity, work hard, and walk the path of the Buddha with unwavering resolve.

Namo Amituofo