The Unmoved Mind: Teachings of Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju

The Ripple Effect of a Restless Heart

The suffering of this world arises from an agitated heart. When the heart fluctuates, the body and spirit follow, mirroring this instability. This internal turbulence creates a vacuum that attracts karmic creditors, attached spirits, and demon crowds to manifest before you. These are the fundamental causes of our suffering, as well as the cycle of aging, sickness, and death. If your heart is filled with suffering, your body and spirit will follow, leaving no room for true happiness. Conversely, if your heart is calm, your body and spirit will remain steady; if your heart is focused, your body and spirit will remain composed and free from restlessness.

Cultivating the Unmoved Mind

Regardless of how the external environment changes or how turbulent the world may become, you must strive to keep your heart unmoved. This state of being, where the heart remains constant despite external shifts, is what we call meditative concentration. For those who have realised their true nature, this concentration is always present within their right mindfulness. They walk the righteous path without deviation. Within this state of right mindfulness, right path, and meditative concentration, they carry out the work of saving beings without ever letting their hearts be moved by the chaos of the world.

The Three Learnings: Precepts, Concentration, and Wisdom

The power of the Three Learnings of Precepts, Concentration, and Wisdom is the foundation of your practice. This process begins with the observance of Precepts. When you uphold the Precepts, meditative concentration naturally arises. Once concentration is established, your inherent Wisdom begins to manifest. As this Wisdom shines forth, you will deeply understand the importance of the Precepts and will naturally refrain from breaking them. By not breaking the Precepts, your heart remains peaceful and stable. In this state of stability, you will naturally see the truth of reality. Seeing the truth without being deluded, the light of Wisdom will shine brightly.

The Ultimate Goal of Practice

The entire purpose of your practice is to realise your true nature and to recover your original Prajna wisdom. Therefore, maintaining an unmoved mind is an essential condition for all who seek the path of Awakening. May you always remain steadfast in your practice, keeping your heart as still as a mountain, and may you always remember to chant Namo Amituofo all the way to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

Namo Amituofo