All Dharmas Arise from the Mind's Thoughts

The Foundation of Reality

Everything is mind-only, manifested by the mind, and is categorised into the system of Emptiness-only-name and the system of False-consciousness-only. Both systems stand upon the same foundation: the emptiness of all dharmas and the principle of equality. When we look deeply into the character, we find that it is inherently pure. This purity of the Dharma-nature is realised through the understanding of Causal Conditions. These conditions are inherently equal; if they were not equal, they could not be pure. Why, then, do we perceive inequality in our lives? It is because our hearts are clouded by attachments and defilements. To walk the path of the Bodhisattvas, one must stand firmly in the state of equality. The transition from an ordinary being to a holy one—this profound purification—actually stems from this very realisation of equality. The system of Emptiness-only-name emphasises this equality, for emptiness itself is the ultimate expression of the equal nature of all things. Therefore, we must deeply contemplate the equality of all Causal Conditions.

The Unity of Heart and Dharma

Within the Great Vehicle of the Buddha’s teachings, we discuss not only the character but also the nature of the Dharma. When the heart is pure, the Dharma-nature is also pure. Only then can we reach the state where the heart and the Dharma-nature are non-dual. We must not view the heart of a being as purely defiled. Although the external appearance may be clouded, the inner essence remains pure. Thus, even in the heart of an ordinary being, there exists the same equality found in the Buddha-heart.

While beings may share a common tendency toward external defilement, this defilement is merely a surface layer. The true purity resides deep within. The heart of a being is, in essence, the True Suchness of the heart. It contains boundless merit and virtue. It is like a pure Mani jewel, holding infinite potential, even while it is temporarily obscured by the external dust of the world. However, because this is a heart of arising-and-ceasing defilement, it is filled with endless faults; therefore, one cannot lean too heavily toward the illusion of defilement, nor should one limit oneself by ignoring the potential for purity.

Shedding the External Dust

If we can preserve the purity within, we can gradually shed the external, guest-like defilements that cloud our vision. This is why every single person possesses the opportunity to become a Buddha. The Great Vehicle of the Buddha’s teachings is rooted in the welfare of all beings. To be rooted in beings is to encompass all dharmas, including all worldly and transcendental phenomena, and the path where the worldly and the transcendental are non-obstructive.

The Luminous Potential Within

To all the Bodhisattvas and virtuous ones in the Western Land of Dharma Nature, remember this: the pure Mani jewel that you possess is your inherent opportunity to become a Buddha. Everything in this world arises from the thoughts of the heart. Whether your heart is pure or defiled depends entirely on your own moment of awareness. Of all practices, to chant Buddha's name—to chant Namo Amituofo—is the most pure and direct way to return to this original nature. May you always keep the name of Namo Amituofo in your heart.

Bodhisattva Ashvaghosha

This message was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Shi Haiyuan, acting as chief writer.