The True Meaning of Growth

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

The Precious Opportunity of Human Life

What is the true price of growth? Is it simply the process of our lives moving day by day toward inevitable aging? Or, is it the act of turning toward the service of others, cultivating both blessings and wisdom, and accumulating merit and virtue? This human body is incredibly precious. It provides us with the unique vessel required to engage in True Cultivation. For any practitioner, this is a matter of the utmost importance.

Consider how many spirits who lack a physical body yearn to practise and return to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. They long for this, yet they are unable to fulfil their wish. Because they lack a physical form, the great matter of rebirth in the Western Pure Land is beyond their control; they can only wait, hoping to be saved by the compassion of the Buddhas.

The Fragility of the Karmic Body

Upon arriving in this world, how many people are there who never have the affinity to hear the Buddha’s teachings? Even among those who do hear the Dharma, many do not choose to practise the Pure Land path. Instead, they become distracted by various external environments and the interference of demon crowds. Consequently, they lose their resolve and fall back into the cycle of rebirth. This is truly a great pity.

For those who understand the preciousness of the Pure Land Dharma, the situation is different. At the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, where the Dharma affinity is so magnificent, you have the rare fortune to encounter Namo Amituofo, your teachers, Practitioner Su, and the Dharma protectors who provide constant support.

The Path of Diligent Practice

During your practice, you will inevitably encounter various tests. However, if your vow remains firm and you do not retreat, you will be able to face and overcome these challenges. If you continue to chant Buddha's name with diligent practice, these very tests will become the catalysts that accelerate your growth. Through the process of purifying the body, heart, and spirit, you will be able to elevate the quality of your spirit. As you continue to refine your practice and deepen your purification, you will eventually rediscover your true self, fulfilling your wish to save yourself and help other beingsleave suffering behind.

The Grace of Deliverance

If, when faced with these tests, your vow begins to fade, it is a sign that your practice is flashing a red light. Your karmic body will find it difficult to withstand the manifestation of karma. Aging and illness will appear, and eventually, the elements separate, leading to the end of this life. Fortunately, you have encountered Practitioner Su, an awakened being who possesses the skill to travel back and forth to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. Through this connection, you are guided toward the West, providing you with the precious opportunity to enter that pure realm.

Even if your own self-power arises only partially, you are relying on the power of the Buddha, and thus, you can still fulfil your vow of rebirth in the Western Pure Land in this very lifetime. Students of Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, you must realise that this is a magnificent time. You should keep gratitude in your hearts and continue your diligent practice.

Namo Amituofo