The Profound State of No-Mind
Teachings from Master Xuanzang
Recorded on 31 May 2019
The Essence of No-Mind
What do we mean by the term 'No'? If we speak of 'No', how can there be any 'existence' to discuss? In truth, this 'No' contains all existence; every single thing resides within this state of emptiness. What then is the 'mind'? For ordinary people, the mind is merely a collection of and thoughts, a physical heart. This physical heart governs our thoughts, and these thoughts shift according to the physical body. However, those who have realised their true nature have reached the state of No-Mind. Because they have no consciousness or thoughts, they possess a sensitive awareness. They act naturally, guided by this sensitive awareness. The physical heart is contained within this sensitive awareness, and the physical heart is governed by it. Whether the physical heart exists or not, it transforms according to this sensitive awareness.
Most people today exist somewhere between the state of an ordinary person and that of a practitioner who has not yet realised their true nature. Whether you have realised your true nature is determined by your heart and governed by your heart. First, you must have a heart, then you must focus that heart into one, and finally, you must reach the state of No-Mind. When No-Mind is achieved, your sensitive awareness is fully revealed, and you have finally realised your true nature.
The Manifestation of No-Mind
What does it look like to realise your true nature through No-Mind? It is a state of non-action, yet everything can be accomplished. It is a state of having no mind, yet your heart is always connected to all beings. It is a state of having no thoughts, yet every thought is for the sake of all beings. It is a state of having no self, yet you leave footprints of saving beings everywhere you go.
It is a state of selflessness, where you offer your body and mind to the infinite realms. You live for the sake of all beings, and you are willing to let go of your body for the sake of all beings. When you reach a state of pure Goodness, the purity and Goodness merge into one. You become transparent and flawless, filled with infinite Fragrant Light, entering a state of ultimate purity and ultimate Goodness.
The Qualities of an Awakened Being
No-Mind allows for great and wisdom as vast as the ocean. Like the hundred rivers flowing into the sea, you remain unmoved, as if you were nothing at all. No-Mind allows to be pure. When the Six Sense Organs are purified, their true nature is revealed, natural power manifests, and you attain complete Supernatural Freedom.
With No-Mind, the four elements are seen as empty and illusory. Why should one have any attachment? Attachment itself is merely an illusion. No-Mind allows one to be cool, calm, and free from artificial action. This non-action is true coolness. If it is for the sake of beings, you can become anything that is needed.
No-Mind allows one to be filled with that never ends. Within the Dharma, there is Dharma, yet there is no Dharma. You establish the Dharma according to the needs of beings. Originally, there is no mind and no empty form; why would there be a need for a fixed Dharma?
The Path of Return
Those who have realised their true nature through No-Mind have countless Dharma Bodies. They travel freely across the universe, surrounded by infinite Fragrant Light. In this world, those who have attained No-Mind have no emotions or attachments. They have no home and no family, yet everywhere is their home, and everyone is their family. They have no self; there is nothing they do for themselves. Everything is done for the sake of all beings. The beings and are the same; they have become one.
Those who have attained No-Mind have no Dharma to grasp, so they are free and at ease. Yet, everywhere is the Dharma, because beings are accustomed to having a Dharma to follow. For the sake of beings, the Dharma exists. Those who have attained No-Mind are empty in nature. This emptiness is void, and the empty form has no form. There is no single form to grasp, and no single Dharma to limit you. You are not limited by any form, yet you can manifest any form.
The Gateway
How can one reach this state of No-Mind and realise their true nature? You are already inherently in this state of No-Mind; you only need to find it again because you have become lost in delusion. You must turn from confusion to to see your true nature. How do you attain this awakening? Stop being lost. You must transform your life:
- From wrong paths to the right path.From greed to giving.From anger to compassion.From ignorance to Wisdom.From arrogance to being humble and modest.From doubt to faith.
When you make these transformations, that is the moment of awakening. Through this awakening, you remove impurities and constantly see the truth, eventually finding your true nature again. If you have realised your true nature and attained No-Mind, everything is a natural phenomenon. Since No-Mind is empty, you will encounter no obstacles. If you encounter obstacles, it means you have not yet attained No-Mind. You must constantly reflect on where you are not following the Dharma and immediately correct your heart and thoughts. If you can truly transform your environment without being turned by it, and if you can constantly return to the right path, only then can you truly see your true nature.
If you are on the Pure Land path, chant Namo Amituofo with single-minded focus. Chant until you reach a state of one-heartedness without confusion, until the manifests. Chant until you reach the state of No-Mind and no-thought. In this state, you chant without chanting, and you are without thought while chanting. You are then one with the Buddha-heart and the Buddha-vow. You act according to the Buddha-heart and the Buddha-vow. You become the Buddha-heart and the Buddha-vow. When you attain No-Mind and see your Buddha nature within you, the power of the Buddha manifests, the Buddha-vow is fulfilled, and this is what it means to become a Buddha.
This message was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.
Namo Amituofo
More from Teachings of Great Master Xuanzang
The Vision of Great Master Xuanzang
Great Master Xuanzang shares his profound vision for the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, reflecting on the power of the Dharma, the mission of Practitioner Su, and the ongoing work of saving infinite suffering beings through the light of Namo Amituofo.
Great Master Xuanzang's New Year Joyful Purification Dharma Assembly
Great Master Xuanzang offers profound guidance on the occasion of the New Year, reminding us that the path to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss requires constant purification, the letting go of ego, and unwavering devotion to Namo Amituofo.
Awakening and the Path to the Western Pure Land
A profound exploration of how to transcend worldly attachments, purify the mind, and secure one's path to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss through Awakening and diligent practice.
Realising the Profound Meaning of the Dharma
Great Master Xuanzang explains that the Dharma is vast and boundless, transcending worldly knowledge. To truly realise the profound meaning of the Dharma, one must move beyond attachment to words and names, cultivate a pure heart, and engage in diligent practice to attain Awakening.
More by Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
The Final Curtain Call of Chu Ke-liang
A candid reflection from the late Taiwanese entertainer Chu Ke-liang on his life, his career, the karmic weight of his influence, and his ultimate deliverance to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.
The Soul's True Equality: A Conversation with Mahatma Gandhi
This is a record of an interview with Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life and his journey to the Pure Land.
A Reflection from the Western Pure Land
This is a record of an interview with Zhao Puchu, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life in the 20th century. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa Hui, on April 18, 2026.
The Truth Behind My Rebirth: A Message from Liu Suqing
Liu Suqing, the elder sister of the renowned practitioner Liu Suyun, shares her harrowing journey through the spirit realms and her ultimate deliverance to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss through the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre.
The Burden of a Historical Name
This is a record of an interview with Lin Biao, who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life approximately 54 years ago. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa, on May 18, 2026.
The Poet’s Journey to the Western Pure Land
A reflection on the life, tragedy, and ultimate spiritual liberation of the ancient statesman Qu Yuan, who found peace through the teachings of Practitioner Su.
About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library