The Mystery of the Wind

During the solemn proceedings of the Thrice Yearning Ceremony, we pause to reflect upon the nature of existence, using the metaphor of the wind to contemplate the impermanent and flowing nature of our lives.

The Source and the Flow

Where does the wind originate? Where does it eventually go? Does it truly have a fixed place of origin, or a final destination? Often, we perceive the wind as coming from nowhere and disappearing into nothingness, or perhaps it wanders without a set path. We might ask ourselves: who is in charge of this movement? The answer lies in the flow itself. The wind follows the currents of the air, blowing wherever the flow dictates. It is not a matter of personal will, but of the natural laws governing the universe.

The Breath of Our Collective Karma

The wind travels across the vast landscape of our world. It sweeps over majestic mountains and deep oceans; it passes through quiet villages and bustling cities. More importantly, it blows across the depths of our hearts, carrying the heavy burdens of our past grievances, our deep-seated loves, and our lingering hatreds. The wind brings with it the whispers of the world, articulating the hidden worries and the unspoken intentions of all beings. It is a carrier of the stories we have lived and the emotions we have yet to release.

The Age of the Wandering Spirits

In our contemplation, we might ask the wind: how old are you? The wind simply laughs and replies that it has long since forgotten its own age. However, the wind is filled with countless Wandering Spirits. If you ask about the age of the wind, you must specify which spirit you are inquiring about. The wind laughs again and continues on its journey. When we press for an answer, the wind provides a profound response that echoes through the air: the Wandering Spirits are infinite in number. The youngest among them have not yet begun their journey, while the oldest have not yet reached their end. You may assign any age you wish, for it is as old or as young as you perceive it to be.

The Eternal Present

In that moment, I experienced a sudden "Aha!" moment. I realised that the true essence of our practice is to live fully in the present. The present moment is without beginning or end. It is the state of the infinite. When we dwell in the present, we are no longer bound by the linear constraints of time or the weight of our past karma. We find ourselves in the stillness of the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. This is the path to liberation, where we leave suffering behind and find true happiness.

Recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

Namo Amituofo