The Mind of Beings and the Path to Buddhahood
Teachings from Bodhisattva Ashvaghosha
Recorded on March 3, 2019
March 3, 2019
When a single thought of ignorance arises, one becomes a being lost in the cycle of rebirth. Yet, when a single thought of arises, one is granted the precious opportunity to transcend the ordinary and enter the path of the sages. This is the essence of what we call the heart of beings. Apart from the Buddha, the hearts of all beings—from the six realms of ordinary people to the three levels of sages—still carry the stains of impurity. Because beings are in a constant state of transition, moving from the status of ordinary people to that of sages, and from the level of listeners to that of Bodhisattvas, they eventually reach the state of becoming a Buddha. Therefore, it is entirely possible for any being to become a Buddha. The key to this transformation lies entirely within the heart.
The Turning Point of the Heart
As discussed in the Awakening of Faith in the , it is through a single thought of ignorance that one falls into the state of an ordinary person. Conversely, through a single thought of awakening, one can transcend the ordinary and attain the state of a sage. How, then, can one reach a state of purity that is free from all defilement? This purity is not something external that must be sought elsewhere; it is actually present within the very heart that is currently stained. The impurities we experience are merely like dust settling upon a mirror or clouds obscuring the sun. Because these are merely external, temporary defilements, they can be removed. This is why there is always an opportunity for us to cleanse our hearts and return to our original state.
The hearts of beings are diverse and manifest in countless different ways. The phenomena we encounter in this world are vast and varied, yet amidst this infinite diversity, all beings share a fundamental commonality. This commonality is the possession of a pure, undefiled Buddha-nature. That pure and undefiled essence is like a precious Mani jewel, hidden within the depths of our being. Because the heart of every being is inherently pure and undefiled, every individual possesses the potential to become a Buddha. The external dust that covers our true nature can be managed, cleared, and ultimately removed through diligent practice.
The Radiant Jewel Within
We must realise that the heart, the Buddha, and all beings are not different in their fundamental essence. The heart of a being and the Buddha-heart share a common nature. The journey from the heart of an ordinary being to the state of a Buddha is, in truth, the completion of the heart itself. When we speak of the Western Land of Nature, we are speaking of a realm where this truth is fully realised. To the Bodhisattvas and virtuous ones residing in the Western Land of Dharma Nature, the path is clear: a single thought of ignorance creates the state of a being, while a single thought of awakening allows one to transcend the ordinary and become a sage.
The Unity of Mind, Buddha, and Beings
By preserving this pure and undefiled Buddha-nature, one aligns their own heart with the Buddha-heart. Because the heart of every being is fundamentally pure and undefiled, it is the birthright of every being to eventually attain Buddhahood. We must cherish this truth and work diligently to uncover the light that has always been within us. Let us strive to leave suffering behind and find true happiness by returning to this original, pure heart. This is the path that leads us home to the of Ultimate Bliss.
Ashvaghosha
This teaching was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Shi Hailiang.
Namo Amituofo
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