The Vital Importance of Moral Conduct

Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

July 8, 2022.

Defining the Essence of Moral Conduct

What exactly is moral conduct? It is the harmonious union of our moral foundations and our outward actions. In our modern era, where efficiency and technological advancement are prioritised above all else, the education of moral conduct is frequently overlooked. Because of this, many people unknowingly plant negative causes and suffer the resulting evil consequences. They often do not understand the root cause of their distress, which leads to profound and unnecessary suffering for all.

If one possesses strong moral conduct, one can avoid planting these negative causes and thus escape the suffering that follows. Therefore, the education and practical application of moral conduct are of the utmost importance for every individual.

Moral Conduct as the Foundation of Practice

For those who are dedicated to their practice, moral conduct is not merely an optional virtue; it is a fundamental requirement. A practitioner who embodies true moral conduct demonstrates several essential qualities:

• Self-discipline: The ability to maintain focus and control over one's own actions.
• Self-respect: Honouring one's own potential and the sacredness of the path.
• Service to others: Dedicating one's energy to the benefit of all beings.
• Consideration for others: Always thinking of the needs and feelings of those around us.
• Self-restraint: The capacity to hold back from impulsive or harmful desires.
• Selflessness: Moving beyond the ego to act for the greater good.

These qualities are the essential conditions for making genuine progress in your practice. Without them, one remains trapped in the cycle of the ego.

Returning to the True Self

Moral conduct is an integral part of your true self. If you wish to rediscover your original nature, you must commit to the purification of the Six Roots. This involves nurturing your heart and your nature, ensuring that your behaviour is always in alignment with the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. You must not deviate from this path.

By consistently increasing your moral conduct, you will naturally earn the respect of others, the Dharma protectors, and even your karmic creditors. This respect creates a supportive environment that helps your practice proceed smoothly and without obstruction. When your Faith, Vows, and Practice are strong, you become a model for others to follow, which in turn helps the monastic community to grow and flourish.

A Warning Against Laxity

Conversely, those who lack sufficient moral conduct often fall into patterns that hinder their spiritual growth. These patterns include:

• Selfishness and self-interest, which keep the heart closed.
• Carelessness in one's work and daily duties.
• Violating the Precepts and disregarding the rules of the temple.
• A lack of harmony with the community.
• Doubt in oneself and doubt in the Buddha.
• Being controlled by Greed, Anger, Ignorance, Arrogance, and Doubt.
• Being attached to wealth, lust, fame, food, and sleep.
• Failure to uphold the Five Precepts and the Ten Goodness deeds.

Therefore, all students of Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre must be vigilant at all times. Do not be lax or lazy in your practice. Do not act according to your own whims or follow your impulses. Instead, focus your efforts on elevating your moral conduct, for this is the true path to Awakening. Namo Amituofo.