Heart Opening and Heart Constriction

Recorded by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe, on the fourteenth of August, 2021, during the Thrice Yearning Ceremony, these teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju illuminate the fundamental difference between a heart that is open and one that is constricted.

The Radiance of an Open Heart

An open heart is the natural result of cultivating selflessness and realising the truth of no-self. When you truly understand the Buddha’s teachings and the profound meaning of the Pure Land path, you receive the benefits of the Dharma. As the water of the Dharma flows into your heart, it washes away the dust of worldly attachments and the stains of past karma. When this occurs, the light of your true nature manifests, and you become filled with Dharma joy. In this state, you are no longer burdened by the suffering of ageing, sickness, or pain. You are capable of taking charge of your own life, remaining free from the control of karmic creditors and the weight of past karma. You exist without unnecessary thoughts, worries, or mental obstacles. You are free from the entanglements of emotion, living instead with contentment and a heart full of gratitude. You naturally think good thoughts, see the good in others, and maintain the practice of chanting Namo Amituofo.

The Darkness of a Constricted Heart

Conversely, a constricted heart arises from selfishness and the pursuit of personal gain. When you are unable to grasp the true meaning of the Dharma, you remain trapped in confusion and doubt. The more you allow worldly dust to accumulate, the more your heart becomes obscured, losing its inner light. In this state of constriction, you suffer from the inevitable pains of ageing, sickness, and deep-seated anxiety. You lose the ability to be the master of your own life, becoming easily controlled and obstructed by your karma and karmic creditors. You are constantly troubled by wandering thoughts, emotional turbulence, and attachment. You lack the wisdom to be content and fail to cultivate a heart of gratitude. You fall into the habit of thinking negatively, seeing only the faults in others, and allowing your practice to wither.

The Unity of Heart and Action

The state of your heart is directly tied to your commitment to diligent practice. An open heart is the fruit of a life lived with sincerity and a grounded, practical approach to the Buddha’s teachings. It is the result of achieving a perfect unity between your hearts and actions. When your inner intentions and your outer conduct are in harmony, you are truly walking the right path.

However, a constricted heart often belongs to those who know they should be practising diligently but fail to take the necessary steps. They find it difficult to move forward because their actions contradict their inner values. When there is a disconnect between what you know to be true and how you actually live your life, your heart remains closed.

My dear disciples, consider this carefully: whether your heart is open or constricted, which path do you truly wish to follow?

Namo Amituofo