The Path to Rectifying the Body and Mind
Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju
Recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.
For every practitioner, the task of rectifying and mind is paramount; to hold the body and mind in an upright state is the essential key. The Buddha’s teachings require us to put in the work within our own hearts. When the heart is upright and pure, it naturally guides the body, as well as the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth, to follow in that same uprightness.
The Visible Dignity of a Practitioner
When one maintains dignity and rectitude in both body and mind, when one keeps the Body, Speech, and Mind pure, and when one remains upright in every action—whether walking, standing, sitting, or lying down—the true dignity and depth of a practitioner’s cultivation become visible to all. This is the hallmark of one who has truly dedicated themselves to the path.
The Foundation of the Three Jewels
The Three Jewels—the Buddha, the Teachings, and the Sangha Community—are the essential pillars for the continuation and transmission of the Buddha’s teachings. How, then, should the Sangha and the fourfold assembly of disciples maintain an upright body and mind? This rectitude is achieved through several vital practices:
- Discipline: By diligently practising the and strictly adhering to the rules of the temple.
- Purification of : By keeping the eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind clear and untainted by external defilements.
- Mindful Conduct: By maintaining awareness in every aspect of daily life, including how we eat, dress, reside, travel, and in every single move we make.
Cultivating Purity in Daily Life
For the fourfold assembly, rectifying the body and mind is not a cold or rigid process. It is found in the balance of our temperament and our interactions with the world. We must avoid extremes:
- Do not engage in frivolous laughter or idle chatter.
- Do not give in to anger or resentment.
- Do not allow the mind to become dull, sluggish, or depressed.
Instead, we should cultivate a presence that is joyful, gentle, kind, and ready to serve. We must remain calm, steady, and composed. In our daily movements, we should embody the grace of the ancient teachings: walking as light as the wind, sitting as steady as a mountain bell, standing as upright as a pine tree, and lying down with the gentle curve of a bow.
The Path to
Furthermore, the fourfold assembly rectifies the body and mind by deepening their inner qualities. This is achieved through the development of wisdom, , and the expansion of one’s mind-capacity to embrace and forgive all beings. We must walk the path of the Six Perfections:
- Generosity: Giving freely of our time, resources, and .
- Discipline: Maintaining our moral integrity.
- Patience: Enduring hardship without complaint.
- Diligent Practice: Moving forward with unwavering effort.
- Meditation: Keeping the mind focused and still.
- Wisdom: Seeing the true nature of reality.
By engaging in this fiercely diligent practice, we move closer to the moment we finally see our true nature. Namo Amituofo.
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About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library