The Profound Wisdom of No-Mind

Recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

On the thirteenth of April, 2025, during the first session of the Thrice Yearning Ceremony, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju shared these essential teachings on the state of No-Mind.

The Boundless Nature of No-Mind

That which is without a fixed form is infinite, while that which possesses form is inherently limited. The infinite can encompass the finite, yet the finite remains forever confined within its own boundaries. Therefore, the state of No-Mind is far superior to the state of having a mind.

When one possesses a mind—that is, when one is driven by ego and attachment—one inevitably falls into the trap of discrimination. Within the movement of such a mind, one perceives:

• The distinction between large and small
• The difference between high and low status
• The gap between wealth and poverty
• The divide between intelligence and ignorance

These perceptions create a world of conflict and suffering. However, Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and those who have realised their true nature exist in the state of No-Mind. Because they have no ego, how could there be any movement of a deluded mind?

Living in Equality and Compassion

When one dwells in the state of No-Mind, one walks through this world to teach and save beings. One clearly understands the worldly distinctions of wealth, status, and intelligence, yet one does not perceive them as separate or unequal. This is the true meaning of equality.

Only by remaining unaffected by the worldly discriminations can one observe the conditions of others and provide the appropriate guidance to save all beings. Those who have attained the state of No-Mind are perfectly in sync with the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way.

Transcending the Illusory World

To dwell in No-Mind is to not cling to the concept of existence, nor to the concept of non-existence. If you fall into the trap of clinging, you have created a state of existence. In truth, all things are empty in nature. By not clinging to either existence or non-existence, you can encompass all things.

Because the world is an illusion, those who come to teach in this world follow the needs of beings without ever becoming attached to the illusion of existence. They know that, fundamentally, all is empty. How can there be any true existence? Yet, within the perceived existence of sentient beings, they can observe the right conditions to teach and liberate them.

The Path to Steadfast Awakening

In the process of teaching, the awakened one breaks through the illusions that beings hold dear. They help beings understand that the world is truly empty and that one should not be deceived by the appearance of reality. When you truly understand the difference between the illusory and the real, you can walk through this world without being led astray by its shadows.

You must maintain a clear and awakened mind as you pass through these illusions. Only then can you remain steadfast in your practice without retreating. If you fail to grasp the distinction between the illusory and the real, you will remain trapped by the world's deceptions. You will become a being bound by karma, unable to master your own destiny, and will continue to be tossed about by the tides of illusion.

This leads only to the endless suffering of birth, aging, sickness, death, causing you to remain trapped in the cycle of being reincarnated. No-Mind is the only truth. To seek and find your true self-nature is to attain the state of No-Mind.

Namo Amituofo