The Examination Hall of the Heart

The Heart as the Crucible of Practice

The examination halls of spiritual practice are entirely manifested by the heart. From this heart, various tests arise, and because every practitioner possesses a different state of mind, the tests that manifest for each individual are also unique. To resolve these tests, one must also look within the heart to find the solution.

Those who have realised their true nature have attained Buddhahood. All Buddhas walk the same path, for they all share the same Buddha-heart. Their hearts remain eternally in a state of deep meditative concentration. They exist in a state of original emptiness, where they possess no conventional knowledge, yet they are aware of everything. They encompass the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way, as well as the laws of karma and cause and effect. Because of this, everything is clear at a glance, and they remain undisturbed by any external environment or interference from demon crowds. For such an awakened being, how could there even be a test?

The Infinite Reach of the Dharma Realm

For the rest of us, the tests of practice originate from three primary sources: the physical body, which is subject to birth, aging, sickness, and death; the heart, which is often clouded by attachments and wandering thoughts; and the ego, which clings to a false sense of self and personal desire.

In the human world, beings possess spirits, hearts, and egos. Consequently, throughout the vastness of the Dharma Realm—across the Milky Way, the Earth, the six realms of existence, and the very ground beneath our feet—because there are spirits, hearts, and egos everywhere, there are examination halls and tests everywhere. Unless one has realised their true nature and attained Buddhahood, one who can flow naturally with the Dharma, remain at ease wherever they are, and act with perfect spontaneity, they will find that every place is an examination hall filled with tests.

Transmuting the Ego into Wisdom

These tests are usually coordinated with one's karma and karmic creditors, manifesting directly from the heart. This is why our practice teaches everyone to regulate the heart and shift their thoughts. We must strive to remove the various forms of the false self, including ego-attachment, biased views, selfishness, and personal desires. We must refuse to be deceived by the various illusory environments presented by the physical body, and we must remove defilements and attain purity. It is essential to nurture compassion, Wisdom, mind-capacity, and a heart of tolerance.

When there is no longer any pollution within your heart, when you have entered a state of no-mind, no-thought, no-self, and no-selfishness, you will be able to face any situation, person, or object that manifests before you. You will be able to handle all matters without obstruction. Only then, when you are in the examination hall, will you be able to pass every test smoothly. This is the moment of realising one's true nature.

The Journey Back to the True Self

The timing of these tests is uncertain, for this world is a collection of various illusory environments. These tests are often facilitated by karma and other beings, utilising the Six Roots of the body and the functions of the spirit to manifest various spaces and conditions. These conditions include the cycle of birth, aging, sickness, and death, as well as all the things we love, cling to, and desire. If you respond to these conditions with attachment, you will generate various feelings, thoughts, actions, and consciousness. Consequently, more karma is created, and this result will inevitably lead to the appearance of the next round of tests. This cycle continues until you can face any test with a mind that is free from consciousness and free from wandering thoughts.

For a practitioner, suffering is the test. If you can resolve the test, the suffering is removed; this is the true meaning of solving the problem. Your practice will then ascend to a higher level, continuing until you are completely free from suffering. When you can live a life that is cool, at ease, free from worry, and liberated from the cycle of birth and death, you will truly be able to help all beings leave suffering behind and find happiness. This is the moment of saving beings and achieving rebirth in the Western Pure Land. This entire process is the journey of returning to your true self.

Namo Amituofo