The Education of the Heart
An Interview with Lay Practitioner Gu
Recorded on February 26, 2018
This interview features Lay Practitioner Gu, who shares his profound reflections on the true essence of the Buddha’s teachings and the urgent necessity for a genuine education of the heart in our modern era. This conversation was recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxin, on February 26, 2018.
Lay Practitioner Gu speaks:
"Namo Amituofo. I am Lay Practitioner Gu. When the temptations of fame and profit manifest before us, not everyone possesses the inner strength to hold their ground. Often, even a slight deviation in one's intentions is enough to set one on a path toward the darkness. We tend to forgive ourselves repeatedly, but each time we do, we are simply walking deeper into a valley from which there is no return.
The Persistence of Greed
To put it bluntly, the root of this problem is that the 'greed' within us has not been severed. Even for those who have become monastics, this affliction is often not yet completely eradicated. This is why the Buddha’s teachings have, in many places, devolved into mere rituals of worship or the simple act of offering incense money in exchange for a sense of safety and peace. In reality, these practices do not change one's destiny at all.
The True Meaning of Destiny
Destiny, to be perfectly clear, originates from the human heart. It seems that today, there is no longer a genuine 'education of the heart' being taught. This leaves us to wonder: what are we, as human beings, to do? The boundary between righteousness and evil seems to have become blurred, and many people no longer clearly understand the difference.
Beyond Religious Comfort
While religions generally teach people to be good, their reach is ultimately limited. Most people treat religion merely as a form of psychological comfort or a crutch. However, the true 'education of the heart' is what I have come to value most deeply. Once all the conditions are harmonised, I will certainly do my utmost to support this cause. Namo Amituofo."
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About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library