Managing the Heart Well: Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju

The Heart as the Master of Existence

The heart is the master of our existence. When we engage in spiritual practice, we must begin by putting in the work within our own hearts. By doing so, both our physical body and our spirit can be adjusted and harmonised simultaneously. If the heart can truly master itself, a pure and tranquil heart will provide the peace and stability that our body and spirit so desperately need.

Ordinary people possess a heart that is constantly fluctuating, moving in accordance with external circumstances. However, those who have achieved deep meditative concentration in their practice possess a heart that, while present, remains unmoved. Because their heart is still, they are not subject to the interference of the external world.

Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and those who have realised their true nature have transcended the ordinary heart. Because they are in a state of constant meditative concentration, they are not only immune to external interference but also possess the power to transform the external environment itself.

Guarding the Heart Against External Interference

When our heart reaches out to grasp at external conditions in this world of impermanence, it inevitably fluctuates. This state of constant change is the very source of our suffering. To manage the heart well, we must:

• Stop the heart from reaching outward to grasp at external things.
• Cease the habit of seeking happiness or validation from the outside world.
• Turn our attention inward to observe and reflect upon our own heart.
• Immediately stop the heart whenever we feel it beginning to fluctuate.
• Swiftly halt any delusions or messy thoughts the moment they arise.

Our goal is to keep the heart stable, without ripples, remaining calm and free from delusions.

Transforming the Suffering of Aging, Sickness, and Death

If our heart rises and falls in response to the physical pain of aging, sickness, or the approach of death, we will surely experience suffering. To manage the heart well, we must understand that aging, sickness, and death are the inherent sufferings of having a physical body. They are phenomena that arise and cease according to Causal Conditions.

We must remember the principle: follow Causal Conditions to exhaust our old karma, and do not create new disasters. If we feel resentment because of the suffering caused by aging, sickness, or death, we are creating new karma, and this suffering will only continue. However, if we understand this truth and do not resent the suffering, we can use these experiences to exhaust our past karma. This is the way to ensure that the cycle of karmic suffering does not continue.

Letting Go of Discriminations and Attachments

When the heart gives rise to discriminations—such as high and low, good and bad, or rich and poor—suffering follows. When the heart gives rise to attachment and self-centred views—clinging to what we want to do or not do, or what we want to have or not have—we suffer whenever things do not go our way.

To manage the heart well, we must realise that:

• Discriminations and attachments are primary obstacles to our spiritual practice and must be let go of.
• At the most fundamental level, all beings possess Buddha-nature, which means we are all equal.
• The various differences we see in this world are merely manifestations of karma and Causal Conditions.
• We must always treat others with respect, regardless of their circumstances.

By keeping the heart stable, peaceful, and free from ripples, we allow our practice to move forward. Only in this state of mind can we find true progress and the opportunity to become an awakened being. Namo Amituofo.

Recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable Fa Hui.