The Teachings of Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju on No-Mind

The Source of Our Afflictions

The mundane heart is the source of all our afflictions. The heart that seeks to understand is much the same. Yet the heart we speak of now is not like that mundane heart. It is neither self nor other; it is something you and I have always possessed. Yet now it is dimmed. We must push aside the shadows of darkness to reveal the hidden brilliance within. With No-Mind, we see the true light, and the world is naturally at peace. There is no need for constant worry; simply follow the conditions with compassion and wisdom.

The Path of Compassion and Wisdom

When the heart is empty of all things, it is, in fact, never lacking. This can resolve all manner of suffering and allow one to see their true nature. How many souls are wandering in dreams, their spirits flying to foreign lands? Calling out to the distant horizon, they wonder when they will return home. We were originally of No-Mind, but we lost our way in confusion. If you learn to seek the truth, the return of your soul is only a matter of time.

The Freedom of No-Thought

No-Mind means no attachments, with no deluded thoughts arising. In this state of no-thought, the heart is free and at ease, unconstrained by time or space. The past and present are connected by a single thread; our true nature moves with perfect freedom. When No-Mind manifests, the true heart appears, and every thought returns to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This is the path of the practitioner: to let go of the mundane, embrace the truth, and walk steadily toward the light of Namo Amituofo. Recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.