Teachings from , recorded by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe, on the twelfth of March, 2023.
The Laws of the World and the Laws of the Heart
All laws within this world are derived from the principles of heaven and the norms established by humanity through our shared experiences. It is expected that people will respect and follow these collective standards. However, there is another set of laws—the laws of the heart. These are derived from each individual, based on the specific requirements and expectations one sets for oneself.
In ordinary circumstances, the rules you set for your own life are designed to accommodate your current environment and your personal needs. Yet, when we examine our habitual patterns, we must ask: are these actions truly for the benefit of all beings?
The Radiance of Selfless Service
When you perform any action with the intention of serving others, without a trace of self-interest, your behaviour becomes transparent and upright. Your thoughts expand beyond the narrow confines of the ego. Because the hearts of all beings are different, you must find the common ground within those differences to serve the masses effectively.
When you are truly selfless, your heart naturally radiates light. This is the state of purity, free from defilement. Under the influence of such pure thoughts and pure actions, the natural light of your heart is emitted. Consider the profound impact of this state:
Body: Your cells receive this pure energy, which promotes health and vitality.
Mind: Your mind-capacity expands, and you naturally feel at ease and liberated.
Spirit: Your spirit becomes calm and free from worry, remaining flexible and adaptable.
Because you are selfless, you are not easily replaced or controlled by external spirits. This is the true state of -Mind-Spirit for one who serves the masses with a selfless heart.
The Burden of
Conversely, if your thoughts and actions are driven by self-interest, you will inevitably face limitations. You cannot be truly open, and your Body-Mind-Spirit will struggle to expand. When you are burdened by the self, the consequences are clear:
Physical State: Your body may remain stagnant, suffer from poor health, or encounter various obstacles.
Mental State: Your heart appears narrow and restricted. The light of your true nature is obscured, and you lack the atmosphere of peace and .
Spiritual State: Because you are attached to the self, your spirit cannot unfold. It becomes tightly closed and weak, making it vulnerable to being controlled or replaced by external spirits.
In such a state, there is no possibility for spiritual elevation.
The Path of the Practitioner
In general, few people exist in a state of perfect selflessness. Most still retain some attachment to the self, holding back a portion for their own benefit. Even when one intends to serve others, one might only offer what is left over after satisfying personal needs. The difference between these two paths lies entirely in the heart; everything is governed by the heart.
Goodness and evil are also distinguished by whether one acts for the masses or for oneself. As members of the fourfold assembly, you must ask yourselves: which path are you choosing?
The Practitioner: It is your fundamental duty to be selfless and work for the benefit of all beings.
The Protector: It is common to see protectors who still hold some attachment to the self while offering their support.
The and merits you accumulate are clearly visible in this distinction. Everything naturally manifests within the laws of and cause and effect, and it can be seen in the appearance and the hearts and actions of a practitioner. Students of Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre, you must be clear about what you are doing. Purity and selflessness for the sake of all beings are the fundamental duties of your practice.
