Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, recorded and transcribed by ’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.
During the third session of the held on 7 July 2024, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju offered these profound insights on the necessity of gratitude in our daily practice.
The Profound Impact of Every Thought
No matter what circumstances you encounter in life, if you can maintain a heart of gratitude, this goodness will permeate your entire being. This state of mind is not merely a personal feeling; it acts as a soothing balm for the countless beings residing within your body. You must always remember that every thought and intention you hold has a direct and immediate impact on these infinite, unseen beings who share your physical form.
When the thoughts you emit are rooted in kindness, gentleness, positivity, and a compassionate desire to help others, the effect is transformative:
The beings within your body receive this positive influence, which helps to calm their suffering.
Those around you are uplifted by your presence, creating a harmonious environment.
Your own Body-Mind-Spirit undergoes positive development, significantly elevating the quality of your spiritual life.
For those who are ill, this state of mind often facilitates a noticeable easing of their physical and mental distress.
The Consequences of Negativity
Conversely, if the thoughts you emit are unwholesome, negative, filled with anger, or driven by selfishness and the ego, the consequences are equally profound. When your mind is dominated by the concept of , you inadvertently cause harm:
The beings within your body and the people around you are subjected to a negative influence.
This state of mind awakens the corresponding karmic seeds stored within your , which have been waiting for the right conditions to manifest.
You may experience accelerated aging, the onset of illness, or the painful results of being sought out by who wish to settle past grievances.
Gratitude for the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre
Students of Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, you must strive to keep a heart of gratitude at all times. It is truly an extraordinary event that is incredibly difficult to find, to be able to enter the sacred ground of this temple. You should feel deep gratitude for the following :
The Presence of Namo Amituofo: Because Namo Amituofo truly abides here, the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre exists as a beacon of light.
The Buddha’s Guidance: Namo Amituofo provides compassionate teachings at all times to resolve your confusion and clearly point out the direction for your spiritual journey.
Continuous Blessings: During the Thrice Yearning Ceremonies, morning services, and our weekly group prostrations, the Buddha’s light shines upon the fourfold assembly, providing constant compassionate support.
Gratitude for the Guidance of Practitioner Su
Furthermore, you must be grateful for the tireless guidance of Practitioner Su. Through his constant reminders and patient teachings, he ensures that the fourfold assembly is provided for in every aspect of daily life—food, clothing, shelter, and transportation. This support allows you to focus entirely on your practice. He works diligently to ensure that your spiritual progress is guaranteed to grow, and he is always ready to invite spirits to the temple to resolve conflicts, ensuring that these beings can receive and find liberation.
These are all rare and magnificent opportunities that provide immense assistance to your practice. Even when you encounter trials, interference, or obstacles on your path, if you can reflect on these blessings, a heart of gratitude will naturally arise. This gratitude will provide you with the strength to resolve those obstacles and the power to continue moving forward on the path to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
