A natural face, or what is commonly known as a bare face, is one that is authentic and unadorned. It is a face that carries no artificial colours, no delusions, and no pretences. In this state, every cell of is pure, free from the stains of worldly contamination and the clutter of scattered thoughts. This is how the world typically defines a natural face. Whether one is a man or a woman, we all possess a face, and how we manage that face is a reflection of our inner life.
The Fleeting Pursuit of Worldly Beauty
For the practitioner, the goal is to cultivate a face that radiates , completeness, and purity. In the secular world, however, the focus is often misplaced. Young people are preoccupied with the texture of their skin. Women often treat their natural face as a palette, constantly adjusting their appearance with cosmetics to preserve the illusion of youthful beauty. Middle-aged and elderly individuals often live in fear of the passage of time, viewing every new line as a mark of decline. They believe that the more wrinkles one has, the older one is. This is the standard by which the world evaluates the human face.
The Radiant Transformation of the Practitioner
Yet, those who study the Buddha and engage in dedicated practice understand that by purifying the body, speech, and mind, one can truly transform their natural face. Through the consistent practice of listening to sutras and hearing the Dharma, performing prostrations, and reciting the Buddha's name, one maintains a profound inner purity. This purity is so radiant that it often becomes impossible for others to discern the practitioner's true age.
Because the face is illuminated by an inner light and a sense of peace, the anxieties that cause premature aging simply fade away. When the heart remains calm and steady, free from the turbulent ups and downs of worldly emotions, the deep lines of worry and stress naturally diminish. The face becomes a mirror of a tranquil heart.
The Mirror of the Heart
A natural face is the most honest indicator of a person's true character. As the saying goes, appearance arises from the mind. Every thought and intention we harbour leaves an imprint upon our features. A heart that is polluted by worldly desires will inevitably manifest those stains upon the face. For instance, those driven by greed will carry the look of greed; those with a vast mind-capacity will radiate the broad, auspicious look of ; those prone to anger will bear the harsh expression of resentment; and those who are sorrowful will carry the heavy, mournful look of grief.
All of these expressions are the result of the personality we have constructed for ourselves. Every emotion and habit is etched into our natural face, revealing the state of our inner world for all to see.
The Luminous Countenance of the Enlightened
To the Bodhisattvas and virtuous ones of the , I invite you to observe the face of Practitioner Su. You will find that his age is indiscernible. His face is bright, luminous, and radiant, reflecting the immense blessings of his practice and the profound compassion in his eyes. He possesses the appearance of one who is complete in both blessings and wisdom, a state that remains untouched by the passing of years or the erosion of time. Therefore, true practitioners should take great care to nourish their natural face. Let your practice be the brush that outlines a face of purity, radiance, and the gentle, compassionate demeanour of one who follows the path of the Buddha.
Ashvaghosha
Recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Shi Hailiang, as chief writer.
