The Longing Heart and the Path to Awakening

The Nature of Our Longing

In the classical literature of the world, the phrase "悠悠"—often translated as a deep, lingering longing—is frequently used to describe the human heart. It speaks to a profound sense of yearning, a quiet ache for the arrival of someone virtuous, a person of great talent, or a wise teacher who can guide us through the complexities of existence. It is a sentiment that captures the restlessness of the human spirit as it searches for meaning and connection.

However, when we bring this same heart into the realm of our spiritual practice, the meaning of this longing undergoes a significant transformation. It is no longer a mere worldly emotion. Instead, it manifests as a noble aspiration:

• A sincere hope for the emergence of great practitioners—the "Dragon-Elephants" of the Buddha’s gate—who possess the virtue and power to lead others.
• A deep desire to realise one's true nature and attain Buddhahood, so that one may follow the Buddha in the work of saving countless suffering beings and transmitting the Buddha’s teachings.
• A commitment to the transmission of the Buddha’s teachings, ensuring that the light of the Dharma continues to shine for future generations.

This longing also manifests in the practitioner who is determined to let go of the ego. It is the heart that wishes to diligently practise the letting go of the "self," to abandon the traps of ego-attachment, and to listen and follow the footsteps of Namo Amituofo, our Teacher, and Practitioner Su with unwavering devotion.

From Longing to Stillness

What happens when we take this "longing" and transform it into the state of "no-mind"? When we move beyond the restless searching of the ego, we enter the state of following Causal Conditions. In this state, we understand that everything has its own time and place. When the conditions are ripe, the right person or the right opportunity will naturally appear. When the conditions have not yet matured, even if we chant, yearn, or wait with great intensity, the result will not manifest before us.

In our practice, the relationship between a teacher, a student, and the community of believers is also governed by the laws of karma and cause and effect. Within this sacred bond, our interactions are shaped by the seeds we have planted in the past and the actions we take in the present. It is through this ongoing process of karmic conditions and the causes and effects that we determine whether our connection will continue to flourish or whether it will reach its conclusion.

The Path of the Dragon-Elephant

If we can transform the "longing" within our hearts into the infinite, we transcend the limitations of the individual self. Within this infinite space, we find that we can encompass all things. Whether we are speaking of the great "Dragon-Elephants" of the Buddha’s gate or the many talented individuals who contribute to the work of the temple, there is room for all to grow and serve.

The sutras teach us a vital lesson: "If you wish to become a Dragon-Elephant of the Buddha’s gate, you must first be a horse or an ox for all beings." This means that if you aspire to become a pillar of the Buddha’s teachings, you must first dedicate yourself to the service of others. You must:

• Broadly cultivate good karmic conditions with all beings you encounter.
• Diligently practise the accumulation of both blessings and wisdom.
• Constantly gather merit and cultivate virtue through every thought, word, and action.

Only through this path of humble service and persistent effort can one truly achieve the goal of Awakening. The fourfold assembly of disciples at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre should understand this truth deeply and put it into practice in every moment of their lives. Let us walk this path together, with hearts that are no longer restless, but are instead filled with the boundless compassion of Namo Amituofo.

Namo Amituofo

Recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe