The Power of Silence and Diligent Practice

Steve Jobs, the visionary co-founder of Apple, sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This interview was recorded on August 6, 2019.

Steve Jobs speaks:

"Practising silence is a way of working on oneself. By keeping your eyes lowered and avoiding unnecessary observation of others, you allow yourself to truly settle down. In this stillness, you will discover that your ordinary thoughts are far too rapid and chaotic—one could say they never cease for even a single moment. From the process of thinking to the act of speaking, these thoughts are almost continuous, dense, and unbroken. We often want to convey our meanings to others through expression, and indeed, that was the original purpose of language. However, if we speak too much, if we exceed the proper boundaries, or if we say things that should not be said, we risk creating conflicts or causing rifts between people. This is precisely why the Buddha’s teachings place such great emphasis on avoiding divisive speech and harsh words.

The Stillness of a True Practitioner

A true practitioner does not need to speak much. Within their heart, there is not much that needs to be said; they remain, in essence, unmoved. When beings ask, they answer; when beings do not ask, their hearts remain eternally pure. Once a thought arises, the vibrations of the body follow like waves on the ocean, and it requires time for that momentum to subside. The practice of the grandmother—refusing to accept external information—is also rooted in the hope that the mind and the consciousness of the eyes remain free of any residue. Once there is residue, it interferes with the purity of the present moment.

Finding Clarity in the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre

For the fourfold assembly and the participants of this group cultivation at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia, if you were not engaged in this practice, you would rarely have the opportunity in your lifetime to truly quiet yourself in this way. Once you have settled down, you can see many layers of your own heart—whether it is your personality or your myriad thoughts. You can clearly discern why a thought arose: was it because you were thinking of yourself, or was your gaze once again directed toward others? In this state of stillness, everything becomes crystal clear. You may even come to realise that, in many instances, speaking is merely an interference to others and a disruption to your own practice.

Purification and the Path Forward

In this place of purification, you must strip away the thoughts that obstruct you layer by layer, including your deeply ingrained habits. Within every recitation of the Buddha-name, within every Buddha-action, and within the Buddha-heart, you will gain a deeper understanding of your practice. By letting go of your many opinions, views, and even the most intense desires in your mind, you can finally see your inner self with complete clarity. You will become more grounded and better understand where to begin your diligent practice. The more you understand your own practice, the more you will be able to break through your limitations.

The Essence of Purity and Stillness

Breaking through in stillness allows you to find yourself again and see more clearly where you must begin to help other beings. Whether it is purity or stillness, it all depends on how you truly put it into practice. I am delighted to see this progress. I hope the fourfold assembly will grasp the present moment. Every minute and every second is unique, and your heart will naturally have different realisations. I am grateful for the magnificent Causal Conditions arranged by the Buddha. I look forward to seeing the fourfold assembly advance in their diligent practice.

Namo Amituofo."