Venerable Yongning is a monastic who has sought deliverance through the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre. This interview, which explores the spiritual condition of the human heart and the necessity of purification, was recorded by Chief Writer Shi Fajing on March 5, 2023.
Venerable Yongning speaks:
". Every person living in this world often forgets to truly look at themselves. I am not referring to looking at one's external appearance or how one is dressed, but rather looking at that inner self—the heart.
The human heart is in a constant state of flux. The heart of a ten-year-old is one thing, while the heart of a twenty-year-old is another. Not to mention the hearts of those at thirty, forty, or fifty—they are all fundamentally different. But what exactly is this difference? What is it that changes?
The Weight of Life's Journey
In every stage of life, there are difficulties that must be overcome and numerous events that must be experienced. These are already written into the tapestry of one's life. Some of these matters are significant, while others are trivial. Some concern us directly, while others do not. However, people usually focus more on matters that concern themselves, because humans have a particular tendency to be preoccupied with their own affairs.
The human heart lives within this Five Turbidities and Evil World. All these various matters, along with our diverse experiences and encounters, are actually polluting the heart. They cause this heart, which was originally pure, to develop impurities, eventually becoming deeply stained.
The Pervasive Stains of the Turbid World
Depending on each person's living environment, some are stained more deeply, while others are stained more lightly. Yet, to some extent, everyone is inevitably affected. This is a reality that is difficult to avoid while living in this turbid world.
The reason I, Yongning, mention this today is because I have observed that every human being carries grey-black spaces within their heart. These grey-black spaces represent the contaminated parts of one's character. In some cases, these spaces are very deep, indicating that the level of contamination is not merely superficial; it has penetrated deep into the inner heart, profoundly influencing the human spirit.
The Danger of Selfishness
Once these grey-black spaces exist within the human heart, it is inevitably no longer pure. This is a universal phenomenon—everyone has them. I encourage everyone to try and reflect upon their own hearts. See if these grey-black spaces exist within you. If they do, you must immediately practise adjustment. Do not allow these spaces to attract spirits that will interfere with you, as this will ultimately affect your own Body-Mind-Spirit.
What kind of mental note creates these grey spaces? The 'selfishness' within the heart is a primary cause. A person with a selfish heart will certainly have these grey-black spaces, and the colour will be very dark. This is because the toxicity of selfishness is extremely potent, causing particularly heavy pollution. Therefore, when you perceive that you have selfish thoughts, learn to let go of these private attachments. Turn your heart toward the collective, put others before yourself, and slowly, bit by bit, change yourself. Help your heart find its way back to that side of purity.
The Inconceivable Power of Deliverance
Recently, I have witnessed Practitioner Su performing for the fourfold assembly. The power of this deliverance is truly inconceivable; I have seen it clearly within the spiritual space.
Regarding the grey-black spaces in the heart I mentioned earlier, the fourfold assembly also carries such spaces. When Practitioner Su performs deliverance for them, these grey-black spaces are gradually purified. One can clearly see many sentient beings departing from these spaces, following the Buddha-light away. Once the sentient beings within these spaces leave the hearts of the fourfold assembly, their hearts open up slightly. This 'opening' represents the space that was previously occupied, now released. Regardless of whether the disciples themselves feel it, I have seen that the deliverance performed by the of Practitioner Su is truly beyond conception.
Constantly observe your inner heart, listen to the sutras, perform prostrations, and chant Buddha's name. Purify this heart that has been stained. Only by truly changing yourself can you prevent your heart from being influenced by these spaces and avoid being controlled by spirits.
