The Mind Settled and Unmoving

Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

14 August 2022

The Restless Nature of the Karmic Body

Our physical bodies are formed by the weight of our past karma. Because of this, our hearts are often like the restless ocean, constantly rising and falling with the tides of emotion and desire. We find it difficult to remain still, and our thoughts fly about like scattered leaves in a storm. When the mind is not settled, it is impossible to achieve the clarity required for true spiritual progress.

If you are a practitioner, you must recognise that this lack of stillness is the primary obstacle to your growth. When your thoughts are in constant flux, you are merely drifting within the cycle of rebirth, unable to find the peace that is your original nature.

The Power of Stillness

True practice is found in the state where the mind is settled and unmoving. When you possess this meditative concentration, you demonstrate that your practice is effective. This state allows you to endure what is difficult to bear and to use compassion to resolve the conflicts of your past karma.

When the mind is settled and unmoving, you possess meditative concentration. This is the hallmark of a true practitioner who has made real progress. Conversely, when the mind is disturbed and restless, you lack meditative concentration. Regardless of whether you believe you are right or wrong, this state indicates that your practice is not yet effective. When your mind is agitated, you are essentially stirring up the seeds of your past karma, which then manifest as suffering in your present life. A mind that is settled and unmoving can accomplish great things, whereas a mind that is constantly moving and agitated will find it difficult to succeed in any endeavour.

The Path of Precepts, Concentration, and Wisdom

The Buddha taught us to diligently practise Precepts (Discipline), Concentration and Wisdom to extinguish greed, anger, and ignorance. This is the fundamental path for every practitioner. When you uphold the Precepts without violation, your heart naturally becomes stable and unmoving. As your meditative concentration manifests, your wisdom is revealed. This is the path you must follow; it is the path you are meant to walk.

Diligence and the Path to Awakening

If you find that your meditative concentration is still insufficient and your wisdom has not yet fully manifested, you must continue your diligent practice. Do not be discouraged by the length of the journey. Instead, focus your energy on the following:

• Maintain your discipline: Uphold the Precepts in every moment of your daily life.
• Deepen your concentration: Continue to chant Namo Amituofo to settle the waves of the mind.
• Seek the ultimate goal: Practise until you reach Awakening, where your innate wisdom is fully revealed.

Once you have reached this state, your work of saving the world and helping all beings will be entirely unobstructed. You will be able to move through the world with the clarity and compassion of an awakened being, fulfilling your vow to help all beings leave suffering behind and find happiness.

Namo Amituofo