The Profound Value of a Settled Heart

The Universal Necessity of Equilibrium

These teachings are provided by Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, as recorded by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe, on the twenty-fourth of December, 2021. Mind equilibrium is a state of being that transcends age, background, and circumstance. It is not merely a preference but a fundamental spiritual necessity for every individual. When we invite spirits to the Thrice Yearning Ceremony, this state of peace is precisely what the beings often request most urgently. They understand, perhaps more clearly than those of us still in the physical realm, that a turbulent heart is the source of endless suffering.

The Foundation of Meditative Concentration

When your heart is settled and unmoving, you naturally attain meditative concentration. This concentration is the anchor that ensures you are not swayed or altered by the constant changes in your environment. To maintain this state, you must keep the Buddha-name of Namo Amituofo in your heart at all times. By doing so, you create a sanctuary of peace within yourself that remains undisturbed by external chaos. Consider the following benefits of this practice:

• Steadfastness:
• You remain unmoved by the shifting tides of worldly circumstances.Clarity:
• You perceive the truth of your surroundings without the distortion of emotional bias.Protection: You prevent the seeds of past karma from manifesting as obstacles in your daily life.

The Wisdom of Stillness

A settled heart brings true peace. Those who have weathered the great storms and turbulent waves of life are often the ones who can most deeply appreciate the value of this stillness. This equilibrium is not a forced suppression of emotion; rather, it is a natural cultivation of the spirit. When you possess this quality, you see the events unfolding before you with absolute clarity. You do not become agitated, nor do you fall into anger. Because you handle every situation with a calm and balanced heart, you do not create karma. Consequently, you avoid causing harm to yourself or to other beings.

Reaching the True Nature

A settled heart leads to profound stability. Once this stability is established, you can enter the state of no-thought. In this state, you do not allow karmic retribution to manifest and cause interference in your practice. You simply continue directly on the path, moving forward with a heart that is truly pure and unstained. It is through this persistent, focused practice that you will eventually see your true nature. Namo Amituofo.