Look Inward and Avoid External Contamination

Teachings from the Teacher. Chief Writer: Venerable HaiZe.

25 June 2022

Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju offers these teachings:

The Peril of a Narrow Mind

Those who possess a narrow mind-capacity and eyes that are quick to judge often find their gaze becoming like a sharp sword. It is easy for such individuals to fixate upon the perceived faults and mistakes of others. When this happens, they may immediately utter harsh words, glare with anger, or allow their facial expressions to twist into a mask of hostility. In that moment, they manifest the appearance of an Asura—a being of conflict and rage. This state of mind not only severely damages one's own virtuous conduct, but it also creates a turbulent energy field. When your mind is in such a state of agitation, you invite your own karmic debts to manifest, and you risk allowing spiritual attachment to enter your body. You must be extremely cautious, for the consequences of such behaviour are grave.

Guarding the Six Roots Within the Temple

Within the monastic community of the temple, unless you are specifically tasked with a duty that requires you to correct others, you should always keep your eyes directed inward. Do not look for the faults of others. Instead, focus on your own practice. Similarly, keep your ears directed inward; do not listen to the private conversations or idle gossip of others. Do not allow your nose to become attached to the scent of incense or other worldly fragrances, as this can easily lead to a state of confusion and desire. By maintaining the purification of your Six Roots at all times, you ensure that your mind remains like still water, without ripples. This stillness is the very manifestation of meditative concentration, and it is only through this state that your practice will have the opportunity to progress.

The Subtle Accumulation of Spiritual Dust

Do not make the mistake of thinking that seeing the faults of others, listening to harsh words, or speaking ill of someone is insignificant simply because it lasts for only a short moment. You might believe that a brief lapse in judgement is of no consequence, but this is a dangerous misunderstanding. Whether the act is large or small, even the slightest, most fleeting instance of evil thoughts, harsh words, or negative sounds serves to contaminate your heart and your Six Roots. This contamination acts as a barrier, obstructing your path to purification and preventing you from becoming an awakened being. All of you, as disciples, should take this as a serious warning. You must protect your Body-Mind-Spirit with the utmost diligence. Only by keeping your inner world pure and free from external contamination will you eventually reach the moment of true awakening. Namo Amituofo.