Teachings from National Master Xianshou on the Human Heart
Teachings from National Master Xianshou
September 27, 2019
The Restless Pursuit of Daily Life
In this current era, the moral climate of the world is in decline. Human hearts are diverse and distinct, each carrying its own unique needs, desires, and contemplations. We find ourselves constantly occupied with the myriad affairs of our daily existence:
- The demands of our professional responsibilities and the pursuit of career advancement.
- The cultivation of social connections and the intricate complexities of friendship.
- The maintenance of physical health and the nourishment of .
- The mundane tasks of shopping, procurement, and daily errands.
- The desire for travel, leisure, and experiencing the beauty of nature.
- The continuous process of learning, communication, and social interaction.
- The management of medical needs and dietary habits.
Most of these thoughts are directed toward the needs of , the family, or the requirements of our work. How many of us, amidst this constant activity, truly find peace of mind? How many can truly experience a sense of safety, freedom, and inner coolness? You must contemplate this. You must adjust your heart and learn to live a life of Goodness.
The Art of Cultivating a Pure Heart
To live well, one must learn to manage affairs with wisdom and ensure that all actions lead to harmony. We must strive to help all beings leave suffering behind and prepare for the future. You can accumulate merit and virtue in every moment by maintaining right and observing your intentions with clarity. When your actions are guided by the Right Way, your heart will naturally transform.
Whether your progress seems fast or slow, or whether your experiences are pleasant or difficult, you must learn to experience the heart itself. The power of the heart is infinite; it has the capacity to transform any environment. You must recognise this heart, protect it well, and use it with skill. By utilising your Six Roots—the eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind—for the benefit of others rather than for selfish gain, you can resolve all difficulties and save infinite spirits.
The Boundless Power of the Awakened Heart
National Master Xianshou teaches us that the function of the heart is limitless. Its scale depends entirely on the individual. If you use your heart only for yourself, it becomes as narrow as a thread. If you use it for the benefit of all, it becomes as vast as the universe. Today, we must ask ourselves: what is the purpose of our learning? If it is only for the self, we remain trapped. However, if we can align our hearts with the physical world—wishing to be as free as the wind, mountains & rivers—we will find that the environment and the self are one.
When the environment is pure and free from disturbance, it is because the heart itself is clear. The heart can encompass the vast emptiness of space and reach the ends of the universe. How many people can truly grasp this? If you can understand this truth and apply it with Goodness, you will be like the Tathagata. The Tathagata has no personal heart, yet He uses it perfectly to resolve all matters. The Tathagata has no fixed , yet He operates all Dharmas to pacify suffering. The Tathagata is in a state of , yet He acts for all, clearing away every obstacle.
The Compassionate Heart of the Tathagata
Though the Tathagata has no personal agenda, He is used by the needs of all beings. He acts for the sake of others, finds in the welfare of others, and embodies and mercy for all. He is able to let go of everything because there is no self to cling to. Because the heart is connected to all beings, it naturally contains all beings. The is magnificent precisely because it exists for the sake of all beings. The Western Land exists because beings suffer, and in that Western Land, there is no suffering. The Western Land exists because beings face difficulties, and in that Western Land, there are no such difficulties.
The great compassion of the Tathagata arises because He wishes for all beings to leave suffering behind. Through no-self and non-action, He performs all actions. If you act with a sense of self, all your efforts will eventually return to emptiness. If beings have a need, you can respond at any time; you can start or stop as required. This is the flexibility of the heart. It is a skillful means to respond to the needs of the human heart. Whatever the heart requires, it can be used for the benefit of all. Expand your heart, encompass all, and let your laughter be as boundless and clear as the infinite sky.
Recorded by Venerable Shi Haize.
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About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library