The Wisdom of Perfecting Affinity

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

14 January 2024, Noon Offering

Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju offers these teachings:

The Geometry of the Buddha-Nature

The term 'perfecting' signifies completeness. A circle possesses both a starting point and an ending point, yet these two points are seamlessly connected. The distance from the centre to any point on the circumference remains perfectly equal, which serves as a beautiful metaphor for the equality of our Buddha-nature.

Every being possesses this original nature, which is the Buddha-nature. While this nature is formless and colourless, it is not empty in the sense of nothingness. Rather, it is capable of infinite expansion; it is boundless and contains the entire universe within itself.

The Buddha-heart, the Buddha-vows, and the Buddha-actions are all contained within this true nature. In reality, the Buddha-heart is beyond ordinary concepts of mind, the Buddha-vows are inexhaustible, and the Buddha-actions are ceaseless, continuing throughout all time.

The Transient Nature of Karmic Ties

In contrast to the stillness of our true nature, the concept of 'affinity'—the connections we form with others—is subject to the laws of birth and death. When conditions align, affinities are formed, and beings come together. When conditions dissipate, these connections inevitably fall apart. These interactions are deeply enmeshed within the laws of karma and cause and effect.

Because we are caught in this cycle, it is difficult to reach a state of clarity where these affinities are resolved. As long as we remain entangled, it is difficult to stop the suffering that arises from these attachments. We must recognise that all beings we encounter are, like ourselves, caught in this cycle. Because they are also suffering, they are all worthy of being saved.

The Path to Self-Liberation and Saving Others

To truly help others, one must first save oneself. Only by achieving this can you gain the strength to remain unswayed by the pull of karmic ties, thereby gaining the capacity to guide others toward liberation. You must be fiercely diligent in your practice, striving to become an awakened being.

Before you reach this state of awakening, you must learn to distance yourself from these entanglements, or even sever them entirely. Do not allow your heart to become stained by worldly concerns, as this will only distance you from your true nature. Continue to practise until you reach the point of awakening.

Transforming Ties into the Dharma

Once you have realised your true self, you will clearly understand the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. No matter how long or short these affinities may be, or how you have been reincarnated through the cycle of rebirth, you will be able to transform these ordinary karmic ties into sacred Dharma ties.

When you transform these ties, you are performing the noble act of saving both yourself and others. This is the true meaning of 'Perfecting Affinity.' By doing so, you help beings in the following ways:

• Hearing the Dharma:
• You assist them in hearing the teachings of the Pure Land.Chanting Namo Amituofo:
• You encourage them to recite the name of Amitabha Buddha.Vowing for Rebirth:
• You inspire them to make the sincere vow to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.Fulfilling the Wish: You ensure that their wish to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss is fulfilled.

This is the ultimate act of self-liberation and the liberation of all beings. By perfecting these affinities, you complete your journey and help others find their way home to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Namo Amituofo.