This interview was conducted with Venerable Yongning at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre on February 21, 2023. In this discussion, recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, Venerable Yongning explores the profound connection between our mental states and physical health, explaining how cultivating right and can transform our and heal from within.
Venerable Yongning speaks:
". It is a privilege to discuss the nature of the mind and how we might better align ourselves with the path of wisdom and healing."
The Duality of the Human Mind
"In this world, we observe that some people possess an inherently optimistic character, while others lean towards a more pessimistic outlook. When faced with the exact same situation, the optimist sees potential and opportunity, while the pessimist immediately anticipates disaster. Before a dream is even realised, the optimist looks forward to a beautiful outcome, whereas the pessimist worries that a catastrophe will arise to destroy everything. These two types of people exist side-by-side on this Earth. Of course, between these two extremes, there are those who fall somewhere in the middle—they are not entirely optimistic, nor are they consumed by intense pessimism. They possess a balance of both, and perhaps such individuals feel more relatable to the average person.
However, we must understand that both 'positive' mental notes and 'negative' mental notes exert a tangible influence on the physical body. The most profoundly affected are the beings residing within our own bodies—the spirits dwelling in the space of every single cell. When we maintain a positive state of mind, we can influence them to become positive as well. Conversely, a negative state of mind will inevitably drive them to become even more negative and resentful."
The Silent Inhabitants of Our Cells
"Why does the body fall ill? In many instances, there is a powerful, undeniable link to one's own mental state. Our thoughts act as a magnet, drawing illness toward us. From the perspective of spirituality, it is our own negative thoughts that awaken the beings within our bodies. In essence, we are summoning our own karma, and naturally, the body suffers as a result.
If you look closely at those who are suffering from illness, you will find that they almost certainly possess a strong, persistent mental state or personality trait that is actively influencing their condition. This specific mental state or personality must be broken and fundamentally changed before one can hope to reverse the karma that is currently manifesting and demanding retribution. If this underlying character remains unchanged, one will continue to follow the path dictated by that karma. Consequently, the body will not only fail to improve but may continue to deteriorate further."
Transforming Karma Through Right Mindfulness
"What method can we use to change this mental state or personality that triggers our illness? We must use the 'power of positivity.' Regardless of the nature of your current thoughts or personality, you must use positive power to transform them. Slowly, you must reshape them, allowing them to turn toward the good, guided by the strength of right mindfulness. It is much like taking a habit of thinking negatively and consciously using the power of right mindfulness to turn those thoughts into something good, something right, and something virtuous.
As you undergo this change, the beings within your body's cells are also learning. When these beings receive this positive resonance and begin to change alongside you, the diseased cells within your body will naturally begin to show signs of recovery and improvement. This is the natural, internal healing process that occurs when we align our minds with the ."
The Path of Compassion
"During this process, it is essential to constantly raise your awareness. Use this awareness to tell yourself: 'Everything is good; there is no such thing as a bad event.' Once you have habituated yourself to using right mindfulness, your body will naturally be infused with a new strength. This power can assist the body in repairing itself, boosting your immune system to combat the cancerous or diseased cells that have already formed.
Compared to medication, this positive mental state can heal you in a natural way. It does not harm the body; rather, it gently transforms it, helping the body rediscover its original, innate ability to heal itself. This is something that every single person is capable of achieving.
Some people may feel quite distressed, believing they are unable to learn how to practise right mindfulness. To those people, I say: simply learn from the Buddha! Learn the compassion of the Buddha. Learn how the Buddha is able to embrace all the various 'evil' appearances of beings, yet still see them as good, patiently waiting for every single being to turn back. This state of mind is the ultimate, compassionate right mindfulness. The Buddha does not see the faults of a single being; He forever sees the goodness within their hearts, waiting for them to return to their true home in the Western Pure Land. This is a model worthy of our study.
The cultivation of right mindfulness requires 'mind-capacity,' and the nourishment of this mind-capacity requires 'compassion.' Everyone can learn this, provided they have a heart that is truly willing to change. At this moment, only right mindfulness can truly help everyone. The reversal of karma cannot be achieved without compassion, mind-capacity, and right mindfulness. It is a goal worthy of our collective effort."
