Understanding the Heart: Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju

The Heart as the Master of Life

The heart is the master of all things. It is the very foundation upon which we must exert our efforts in the practice of the Buddha’s teachings. The heart drives the body into action and guides the direction of the spirit; it is the core essence of life itself. Therefore, the state of your heart directly influences the state of your body and your spirit. When the heart is clouded, the body and spirit suffer; when the heart is clear, the entire being finds peace.

The Path to Ultimate Liberation

The Buddha’s teachings are the path to attaining Buddhahood. They are the ultimate method for achieving liberation from the cycle of rebirth. To succeed, you must put in the work directly within your own heart. By understanding the heart, you can realise your true nature and attain Buddhahood. This is how you reach the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, where you will find true liberation from birth and death, and experience the cool, refreshing freedom of that sacred realm.

Reclaiming Sovereignty from Karma

In our current state, we possess a karmic body. This heart is often controlled by the heavy weight of our past karma, and our body follows these karmic impulses, leaving us unable to truly govern ourselves. You must, therefore, maintain your awareness at every moment. Ask yourself these vital questions to stay present:

• Who is it that is eating right now?
• Who is it that is feeling anger?
• Who is it that is feeling drowsy?
• Who is it that is entering this space?

By constantly questioning, you prevent your awareness from slipping into the darkness of ignorance.

The Practice of Collective Purification

I invite you to join us in this sacred work. We must listen to the Sutras, chant Buddha’s name, recite the Sutras, and participate in the Dharma assembly together. As you work on your own purification, you are also helping to purify all beings, including your karmic creditors and all sentient beings with whom you share a karmic affinity. We hope that you and all beings can transform the heart—which has been stained, darkened, and dimmed by the cycle of rebirth—into something luminous once more. Through the purification of the Buddha-light and the power of the Buddha-name, may you remove defilements and attain purity, and let your true, awakened heart shine forth.

Namo Amituofo