The Essence of a Kind Heart

The True Meaning of Goodness

What is true kindness? It is far more than a simple act of charity or a polite gesture. To possess a truly kind heart means that you do not cause harm to others, and in every thought, you genuinely consider the well-being of those around you. It is a heart that acts without any hidden agendas, without the weight of personal desire, and without the pursuit of a specific outcome. This is the sincerity of a heart rooted in pure Goodness.

This kind heart has always existed within you. It is not something you need to acquire from the outside world; it is your original state. However, for a very long time, this kindness has been neglected, forgotten, and buried deep beneath layers of dust and grime. These layers are the result of our long-standing habits and attachments, which have obscured the light of our true self.

The Veil of Confusion

This situation is identical to the state of our true self. The true self is eternally present within every single being, yet because it is covered by the thick veil of confusion, it cannot manifest in our daily lives. If you wish to find your true self again, you must diligently wash away these layers of confusion, one by one. Only when the veil is removed can you reach the state of an awakened being.

A kind heart follows the same path. In this world, Goodness and evil exist in opposition. Most people live their entire lives in a world where Goodness and evil are inextricably mixed. Consequently, the hearts of people are also a mixture of both. Even when your words, actions, and thoughts appear to be good on the surface, you must look deeper. If there is a trace of selfishness, a hidden desire for personal gain, or a sense of reservation in your actions, then your heart is already contaminated. It is no longer pure Goodness.

The Purity of Selflessness

Pure Goodness is defined by the complete absence of self-interest. It means there is not even the slightest thought of protecting yourself or seeking a reward. It is a state where you exist solely for the benefit of others. In this state, the heart is simple, pure, and luminous. If there is even a fraction of a thought dedicated to protecting your own interests, that thought is not Goodness; it is a form of contamination that stains the kindness of your heart.

You can often see this kind of heart in the innocence of a child. As a child grows, they begin to learn the ways of the world. They develop fears, anxieties, and a preoccupation with gain and loss. In their desperate attempt to protect themselves, this innate kindness gradually fades and hides away. Yet, deep down, every person longs to be treated with kindness and hopes to never be harmed by others.

The Buddha-Heart as the Ultimate Standard

The Buddha-heart is the perfect embodiment of this purity. It is entirely selfless, possessing no concept of a separate self. It treats every single being with absolute equality, without hierarchy or discrimination. The Buddha-vow and the Buddha-actions are the ultimate expression of pure, unblemished Goodness. This is the standard to which we must aspire.

If you wish to reach the state of an awakened being through your practice, you must also become pure and kind, without a single flaw. If there is even a tiny imperfection, you will not be able to see your true nature. This is not a condition imposed by any external authority; it is simply the way the universe functions. It is the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. No external force can change this reality for you.

The Path of Diligent Practice

You must rely on your own diligent practice to achieve this state. While the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, the patriarchs and venerable masters, and your true spiritual friends can offer guidance and support from the sidelines, they cannot do the work for you. Whether it is cultivating kindness, achieving pure Goodness, or ultimately reaching the state of an awakened being, you must complete this journey yourself.

You must be earnest, diligent, and willing to change your ways again and again. My children, Practitioner Su and I see all of this clearly, and we speak these words to you so that you may understand. I hope that you can take these teachings into your heart and truly listen. From the depths of your heart, you must change your ways and undergo purification. Only then can you find your way back to a kind, unpolluted, and selfless heart, bringing your mind in sync with your true self and finally rediscovering who you truly are.

Namo Amituofo