Entering True Resonance through Silence

The Illusion of Sensory Perception

People are accustomed to relying on their Six Roots—the eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind—to perceive the world. We base our judgments on our past impressions and experiences. However, before one reaches the state of an awakened being, these perceptions are not objective truths. They are entirely governed by karmic cause and effect. Consequently, every judgment we make, every conclusion we draw, and every action we take is merely a continuation of our existing karma. We are trapped in a cycle of our own making, unable to see the reality of the universe because our vision is clouded by the dust of our past deeds.

The Necessity of Transforming Karma

The process of practice is, first and foremost, a process of transforming karma. Only when we begin to transform our karmic patterns can we even hope to achieve the state of an awakened being. If we fail to transform karma, we remain subject to the relentless progression of birth, aging, sickness, death. These sufferings will manifest one after another, continuing without pause until our worldly connections are exhausted. How many of us truly realise that our current path is leading us toward an uncertain future, dictated solely by the weight of our past actions?

The Noise of a Wandering Mind

Our hearts are constantly disturbed by external environments, leading to a cacophony of messy thoughts that never cease. One moment our mind is focused on this, and the next, it is fixated on that. We dwell on the past, we worry about the future, and we lose ourselves in the present moment. When we forget to chant Buddha's name, our minds become incredibly noisy. It is difficult to find silence in such a state, and it is impossible to reach the state of an awakened being. If we reach the end of our lives in this state of confusion, we will simply follow our karma into the unknown. We may find ourselves reborn in any of the six realms of existence, wandering among the earthly creatures, lost in the cycle of samsara.

The Power of Stillness

However, if we succeed in transforming karma, the situation changes entirely. Our Six Roots begin to undergo purification. Our old impressions and experiences are renewed, allowing us to break free from the control of karma and the suffering caused by karmic creditors who come to seek balance. When we learn to stop the internal noise and remain in a state of silent, tranquil stillness within the heart, we can continue our diligent practice with clarity. To be able to stop the internal chatter and dwell in this silent, profound stillness is to have already taken a great step forward in our practice.

Entering True Resonance

When you are able to maintain this stillness, you must continue to move forward. You must actively break through the difficulties and obstacles that stand in your way until you finally reach the state of an awakened being. Only then can you truly save the world and save all beings. This is what it means to enter True Resonance. My dear fourfold assembly, I ask you today: do you wish to be one who remains trapped in the noise of confusion, or will you choose to enter the True Resonance of an awakened being?

Namo Amituofo

Teacher's Teachings recorded by Venerable HaiZe