The Compassion, Wisdom, and Mind-Capacity of the Awakened Being

Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, recorded by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe, on October 24, 2021.

The Foundation of Spiritual Autonomy

If you wish to be truly autonomous in your life, you must ensure that you are not swayed or controlled by external environments or the internal thoughts of others. To achieve this independence, you must cultivate three essential qualities: compassion, wisdom, and mind-capacity.

Compassion must be directed in two ways:

• Compassion for others: You must recognise that all beings are suffering and are waiting to be saved.
• Compassion for yourself: You must engage in active and persistent diligent practice until you reach the state of an awakened being.

The Unity of Self and Other

When you achieve meditative concentration, you gain the skills necessary to reach the state of an awakened being. It is vital to understand that saving others from suffering is, in essence, the same as saving yourself. You must treat yourself with compassion, for you are also one among the infinite number of beings.

Wisdom in the Face of Adversity

When you encounter obstacles or difficult situations in your practice, you must use wisdom to break through them. This is the only way to create the opportunity to move forward. True wisdom is the ability to find a way through the most challenging circumstances. When you can apply wisdom within your compassion, you are demonstrating the true manifestation of Wisdom.

The Infinite Nature of Mind-Capacity

Whether you achieve meditative concentration, develop your skills, or reach the state of an awakened being, these accomplishments are not meant for your own personal benefit. They are meant for the benefit of all beings. This is the true manifestation of mind-capacity.

• Universal benefit: When you work for the benefit of all, your capacity becomes infinite.
• The collective whole: Since you are also one of these beings, you and all others share in this benefit equally.
• The limitation of self-interest: If you seek only your own personal benefit, your capacity remains limited, and it becomes very difficult to find the opportunity to reach the state of an awakened being.

These three qualities—compassion, wisdom, and mind-capacity—are essential for every practitioner. They are not merely words to be spoken; they must be genuinely present within your heart, even in the state of no-mind. May you embody these truths as you walk the path to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Namo Amituofo