Why Do We Wander? Teachings on the Path to Awakening

During the second session of the Thrice Yearning Ceremony, we are presented with essential teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, guiding us to reflect upon the state of our spiritual journey.

The Clouded Spirit

Why does the spirit, originally pure and luminous, become so deeply stained that it can no longer recognise its true nature? This occurs because the spirit has become stubborn and rigid. We have either lacked proper guidance or, when the teachings were offered, we were unable to accept them. Consequently, we have lost our way, and our original face has become obscured, making it difficult to perceive our true self.

The Weight of Ego and Attachment

Why does the vibrant youth of yesterday transform into the frail, grey-haired elder of today, struggling with the burdens of life? This transformation is driven by our ego-attachment and the personal ego and selfishness that have become ingrained habits. We are weighed down by karmic creditors, spiritual attachments, and the heavy, impure state of our body and mind. Thus, we remain trapped in the cycle of birth, aging, sickness, and death, continuing as ordinary people.

The Obstacles to True Practice

Why is it that, even after years of practice, we still possess the heart and vision of an ordinary person, unable to let go of our emotions and the Five Desires? This is because we have not yet fully understood the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. We remain bound by the laws of karma and cause and effect, held back by our karmic creditors, and have failed to follow the teachings or develop a genuine, unshakable faith in the Buddha.

The Necessity of Awakening

Why is it so difficult to correct our mistakes? It is because our personal ego and selfishness have become deeply rooted habits over many lifetimes. We must raise our awareness to stop these transgressions. Once a mistake is made, the evil consequences will manifest, and we must be prepared to face them ourselves. A wise person understands that they must not commit the same error again and again. If we continue to repeat our mistakes, the evil consequences will reappear, and we will remain trapped in the cycle of birth, aging, sickness, and death. If we then blame the Buddha or the Dharma protectors for not shielding us, we only add the sin of slander to our burden, causing us to suffer even more. Let us instead turn inward, purify our hearts, and commit ourselves to the path of true awakening.

Recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

Namo Amituofo