The Shape of the Heart and the Seeds of Karma

Venerable Yongning, who once fell into the Demon Realm due to deep-seated anger and resentment, sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. Having been saved through the compassionate teachings of the Buddha, she now resides within the light of the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This interview was recorded on April 21, 2019, to share her insights on the nature of the heart and the karmic seeds that bind us to the cycle of suffering.

Venerable Yongning speaks:

"The heart manifests in many different forms, and these internal states drive the various appearances we project into the world. It is said that 'Appearance arises from the mind,' and this is a truth that cannot be deceived or concealed—especially when one looks into the eyes. Why are the eyes of a child so clear, bright, and endearing? It is because a child has no 'heart' of worldly calculation; they do not understand the complexities of the adult world. Consequently, they are free from worldly pollution. Most of this pollution is composed of afflictions. We suffer because we 'understand' too much, because we hold rigid standards for right and wrong. When people or events fall short of these standards, we become agitated. We let these trivial matters—which, in hindsight, are smaller than sesame seeds—consume our emotions in the moment. The teachings of the Buddha are compassionate and earnest, urging us to let go of our stubborn personalities, to be easy-going, to stop 'climbing' after external conditions, and to remain gentle so that no waves of conflict arise within us.

The Wandering Soul and the Weight of Ego

If we remain attached to this false, physical body, we will ultimately face only aging, sickness, and death. Once we drift away as wandering spirits, we carry that same foul temper into our next journey, drifting through the six realms of existence in unimaginable suffering. Think about it—what happens when greed, anger, delusion, arrogance, and doubt manifest? I, Yongning, entered the Demon Realm precisely because of anger. Because I could not accept things as they were, because my heart was not at peace. I have even dealt with the Asuras. In truth, everyone's original nature is very kind; it is the personality we manifest that attracts the seeds of karma from the past. These karmic seeds are triggered so easily, and they are incredibly subtle. Seeing is a seed, thinking is a seed, and desire is a seed. From the moment a person opens their eyes, every action is nothing but karma, nothing but sin. The Truth hidden within the void cannot be escaped by anyone.

The Inescapable Law of Cause and Effect

Why are sentient beings scattered throughout the void? It is all due to the seeds of karma. Whether it is karma or disaster, it is all self-created. Once you no longer have a physical body, there is no room left to turn things around. Only while you have a body can you 'lay down the butcher's knife and become a Buddha on the spot.' How you choose to wake up depends entirely on you. Karma is a debt from the past; it is meant to be repaid. When you encounter physical anomalies—perhaps disability, madness, incoherent speech, facial distortion, or chronic illness—it may be painful and bitter, but you must be willing to accept it as it truly is. You must turn your heart in that very moment. Do not complain or despise your own body. If this is a karmic body, then accept it as it is. Few people know how to repent in the present moment, to lower their own status instead of bringing out that arrogant 'I' again.

The Clarity of the Spirit Realm

The spirits residing within your body know you better than you know yourself. The moment a thought arises, these beings know it immediately. Whether your heart is sincere or not is clear at a glance. You can deceive yourself, and you can package your external appearance, but the beings within you know everything like the palm of their hand. If you have such a packaged heart, or a heart that refuses to face the truth, then naturally, these beings cannot forgive us. The fourfold assembly has the rare opportunity at this Buddha-land to invite these beings out and conduct Dharma assemblies to save them. This is a magnificent scene that has not been seen for thousands of years; it is an opportunity that one only encounters after accumulating merit and virtue over many lifetimes. This is the compassion of the Buddha.

A Call to Sincerity

During a Dharma assembly, the sentient beings attached to the fourfold assembly arrive even earlier than the practitioners, or they enter alongside them. Whether the fourfold assembly is truly focused or still distracted by wandering thoughts, the spirits know it all. In this great Dharma assembly, everyone should let go of the self and wholeheartedly help the beings in the void and their own karmic creditors to leave suffering behind and gain happiness. As you can all see with your own eyes, this can truly be called a grand event of deliverance. The Dharma protectors are even busier, terrified of mismanaging the order or failing to help even one being achieve rebirth in the Western Pure Land. What you chant with a sincere heart, your sincerity will reach. There must not be even the slightest bit of negligence.

Namo Amituofo."