The Path of Boundless Mind-Capacity
The Thirty-Fifth Letter of Venerable Master Wei Jue
A Reflection on the Practice of the Heart
This is a record of the thirty-fifth letter from the late Venerable Master Wei Jue, who now resides in the . He reflects on the essential practice of expanding one's mind-capacity to overcome the suffering of samsara. This message was recorded by the disciple Shi Faxi on July 22, 2017.
Venerable Master Wei Jue speaks:
"Namo Amituofo. I am Venerable Master Wei Jue. I write this to you from the perspective of one who has walked the long, winding path of practice, hoping to offer a key that might unlock the heavy chains of your own suffering.
The Prison of a Narrow Mind
The true key to practice lies in the expansion of one's mind-capacity. Think about it—all the bitterness, the sweetness, the suffering, and the you experience in a single lifetime are dictated entirely by the size of your heart. If you can break through these self-imposed limitations, you will inevitably suffer less. You will find that you are no longer bound by your own thoughts. Why do we suffer? Why are we so often tormented? It is almost always because we have tied ourselves into knots. We are trapped by our own narrowness. If your mind-capacity were just a little larger, how much easier, how much more graceful your life would be!
For those who study the Buddha’s teachings and strive to be true practitioners, a small mind is a death sentence. You will suffocate under the weight of your own frustrations. You might even be angered to death by the things you cannot let go of. People often hold onto things they find disagreeable; they cannot tolerate even a single grain of sand in their eyes. This seems to be the reality for so many. They cannot bear to see others succeed or be better than themselves. This kind of personality is usually driven by a desperate need for status and validation. The moment that status is lost, or when someone else surpasses them, a fire ignites within their heart. It is a natural, reflexive reaction, and once it starts, they find it impossible to extinguish.
Cultivating the Boundless Heart
This is entirely a problem of mind-capacity. You cannot resolve these reactions in the moment because your heart is simply too small. To truly practice, one must have a heart that encompasses the void, a capacity that extends to the ends of the universe. To be able to accept all beings, to rejoice in their virtues, and to offer sincere praise—this is true . This is true greatness of heart. Only such a mind-capacity is authentic; only such a mind can truly support the path of a practitioner. Anything less will only serve as an obstacle, leaving you forever entangled in a thousand knots of your own making. You will feel stifled, unable to breathe, because your heart is too small to contain the diversity of the world. You cannot truly praise others because your heart is not wide enough to hold them.
The Hsiang Kuang Inspiration
Is the path of practice difficult to walk? It depends entirely on your own heart and your mind-capacity. It is a process of nurturing the heart, nurturing one's character, and cultivating a compassionate nature. I must confess, in my own life, I did not always achieve this. I feel a deep sense of shame when I look back. I share these experiences now in the hope that I can help you open your own hearts. I have heard the talks from the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, and I was deeply moved. They speak of a mind-capacity that is as boundless as the universe itself. It is truly extraordinary. I was astonished to realise that there is such a level of attainment. I am eager to share this with you because I see how vital it is. It profoundly influences everything in a person's life. The effectiveness of your practice truly lies in the cultivation of your mind-capacity and the refinement of your inner character.
A Call to Achievement
I hope that you will all achieve the . This is a goal that requires a boundless mind-capacity to attain. Everyone possesses this potential; it is simply a matter of whether you are willing to make a sincere vow to open your heart. Stop calculating, stop comparing, and stop holding onto your grievances.
I hope you will all study diligently. If you have the opportunity, come to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. The true benefit of this place is that those who come naturally receive the of purification and authentic practice. It is of the utmost importance. I am learning alongside you all. I hope that for every word you take to heart, you gain a corresponding measure of achievement. I am an old monk, and I hope you will all listen well. Namo Amituofo."
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About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library