The Essence, Attributes, and Function of Awakening

The Two Gates of the One Mind

The heart is the foundation of all existence. Within the teachings of the Dharma, we speak of the One Mind, which opens into two distinct gates. The first is the gate of True Suchness, which is the most authentic state of reality. It is "unmoved," constant, and eternal. The second is the gate of birth and death, where all phenomena arise and cease.

It is difficult to explain the Great Vehicle of the heart through mere language, written words, or superficial appearances. Therefore, we rely on the law of Causal Conditions to understand our path. To grasp the Truth, one must look beyond the surface and perceive the underlying reality of the heart.

The Triad of Existence: Essence, Attributes, and Function

When we discuss the gate of birth and death, we must examine the three aspects of our existence: Essence, Attributes, and Function. Regarding the Essence, you possess an original nature that is identical to that of the Buddhas. It is pure, unstained, and "unmoved." This is your true self, waiting to be rediscovered.

Regarding the Attributes, we observe all the various phenomena that manifest in our world. These appearances create the illusion of difference and separation, leading us away from the unity of the Dharma. Regarding the Function, because we have forgotten our true nature, our actions manifest in two ways:

• Awakening: The state where the heart is clear, luminous, and aligned with the Truth.
• Non-awakening: The state of confusion where we are governed by our habits and delusions.

Although every person possesses the same heart, the way we use it differs greatly. These differences in function are what create the vast disparities in our lives and our spiritual progress.

The Roots of Deep-Seated Delusion

If you wish to master your own heart, you must cultivate awareness. When you can consistently maintain this awareness, you move from initial awakening to full, perfect enlightenment. Many people complain that they are careless or absent-minded. This lack of focus is a form of non-awakening. It is a subtle, creeping confusion that obscures the clarity of the Buddha-nature.

Non-awakening is not merely a surface issue; it is deep-seated. Consider a tree: we often notice the branches and leaves first, but the true strength or weakness lies in the roots. Similarly, our fundamental non-awakening is like the roots of a tree, hidden deep within the subconscious. It is the state of being lost in a fog, even when we believe we are awake.

The Accumulation of Afflictions

What is non-awakening? It is the failure to abide in the reality of the Dharma at every moment. We all know that everyone possesses the Buddha-nature, yet we struggle to remain anchored in it because we are constantly caught in the cycle of afflictions. These afflictions do not appear suddenly; they are accumulated over time through:

• Family worries: The emotional attachments we hold toward our loved ones.
• Career stress: The anxiety and greed associated with our worldly pursuits.
• Interpersonal conflicts: The friction caused by our arrogance and inability to see the Truth in others.

Just as a physical illness is the result of long-term neglect, our spiritual confusion is the result of failing to maintain constant awareness. When you do not keep a mental note of your own Buddha-nature, you are effectively choosing non-awakening.

The Path of Conscious Practice

If you wish to practise effectively, you must observe your heart with honesty every single day. You must ask yourself: Where are my thoughts falling? When you encounter a warning sign—such as a sudden crisis or a moment of intense suffering—it is an opportunity to wake up. Both indifference and confusion are forms of non-awakening, and they lead to further ignorance.

Greed, anger, delusion, arrogance, and doubt are simply the accumulation of non-awakening. When the heart is not awake, thoughts arise, but these thoughts have no true substance. They are merely ripples on the surface of your original nature. You are not truly lost; you have simply mistaken the reflection for the reality. By identifying your own delusions and habits, you can begin to dismantle the walls of attachment you have built around yourself.

Mastering the Heart in the Dharma-Nature Land

Do not be discouraged when you discover your own faults or negative emotions. Many practitioners feel guilty when they experience anger or frustration, thinking that a true practitioner should be perfect. However, you must understand that these emotions are merely the manifestations of non-awakening. By observing them without judgment, you can trace them back to their source.

To all the Bodhisattvas in the Dharma-Nature Land, know that you have the power to use your awareness to understand your own situations. By identifying the causes of your afflictions, you can take charge of your heart. When you align your Essence, Attributes, and Function with the Truth, you will find that you can move through the world with ease, "unmoved" by the chaos around you.

Namo Amituofo