The Hidden Crevices of the Mind
Teachings from Venerable KaiLin
Recorded on 3 August 2019
The Subtle Traps of the Ego
Every individual carries hidden crevices within their heart. These are not merely minor flaws; they are significant vulnerabilities and major taboos in our spiritual practice. If you do not constantly observe your inner world, you will, in an unguarded moment, find yourself controlled by the turbulent emotions generated by these gaps. You will be dragged into these crevices, leading to actions that you cannot control and that do not align with your true nature.
Subtle thoughts, subtle selfishness, and subtle ego-attachment are densely packed, hiding within the world of our hearts. It is only after a period of careful, deep observation that one discovers just how many weaknesses and cracks exist within us. This is, in fact, one of the primary reasons why modern people feel so controlled and overwhelmed by their own lives.
The Shadow Dwellers
In the void, I, Venerable KaiLin, often observe that within every single one of these vulnerabilities, there is a shadow—a figure lurking in the darkness. When a weakness is triggered by the slightest fluctuation of emotion, the shadow within seems to awaken. It begins to exert force or launch attacks from within that very weakness. This causes the initial fluctuation to expand or persist. Furthermore, these shadows will often summon more figures to join them, creating chaos within that space and making the disturbance even more intense.
When this intensity reaches a certain level, it triggers other vulnerabilities, creating a chain reaction. These shadows act upon multiple weaknesses simultaneously. This is one of the methods they use to increase their numbers and strengthen their hold. If you do not perceive the actions of these shadows in time, they will expand the weakness, growing it from the size of a sesame seed until it occupies a vast space. They then absorb more shadows to reside within, turning your own heart into their stronghold.
The Chain Reaction of Vulnerability
Through this continuous cycle, these shadows eventually occupy the entire world of the individual, becoming the new managers of that life. Consequently, the physical body loses its power of autonomy. When you walk down the street, you can see people with hollow eyes, bizarre behaviours, confused thinking, and those who mutter to themselves; all of these conditions are the result of such internal occupations.
For the fourfold assembly of disciples currently practising here, although such weaknesses exist within your hearts, the shadows within are often unable to awaken because of your diligent practice. Through your efforts, the vulnerabilities do not expand outward. However, they still remain within. The most magnificent aspect of this place is that when a weakness does expand and the number of shadows increases, we have the unique ability to invite these shadows out to speak and resolve the conflict.
A Sanctuary for Healing
By resolving these conflicts, we allow the vulnerability to return to its original, manageable size. This provides you with more opportunities and time to repair these holes and crevices. Every time you patch a hole, your entire world moves one step closer to perfection. Your physical body naturally regains its autonomy, no longer subject to the interference of emotions stemming from these gaps.
This profound opportunity is only available here at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre in Australia, and this is precisely what makes this place so precious. I urge the fourfold assembly of disciples who have come here to cherish this magnificent and rare opportunity. Use it to achieve the perfection of your own and wisdom. Namo Amituofo.
Venerable KaiLin
Recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Shi Facie
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About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library