The Tug-of-War Within the Heart
The Thirty-fourth Letter of President Zhao Puchu
Dated September 5, 2017
The Tug-of-War Within
Have you ever participated in a tug-of-war? Picture the scene: two teams are positioned at opposite ends of a rope. Everyone is crouching slightly, centring their weight, and the atmosphere is thick with tension. When the whistle blows, the teams begin to shout their commands in unison, strengthening their collective focus and morale. They pull the rope with all their might, while the opposing side refuses to yield. Often, the two sides remain in a stalemate. In such a contest, the side with the greatest persistence and endurance is the one that ultimately claims victory.
Within every human being, there exists a duality of Goodness and evil. However, on the path of practice, we cannot allow the evil side of ourselves to persist. We must work to uproot it entirely. This internal struggle is much like a tug-of-war, where our Goodness and our evil tendencies compete for dominance. Yet, this tug-of-war of the heart is unique. The number of participants on each side is not always equal. For some, the side of Goodness is stronger, while for others, the side of evil holds more weight. This is the moment that tests your determination and your drive.
Even if the side of Goodness has fewer members, if each one is fierce, courageous, and powerful—where one is worth three—the probability of winning this contest is very high. We must diligently nourish our cells, for they can exert a tremendous influence. On the path of practice, you must ensure that your good heart, good deeds, and evil thought are always at the forefront. They must defeat the evil tendencies to claim the championship of your life.
Nourishing the Seeds of Goodness
Every person descends into this world carrying a heart of and Goodness. However, throughout our accumulated lifetimes, we have experienced different parents, diverse environments, and various forms of education. Through the combination of multiple , our character has become complex, with Goodness and evil intertwined and coexisting within our . When we stimulate good thoughts, we encourage the growth of our cells. Conversely, when we harbour evil thoughts, we strengthen the resilience of our evil tendencies. Yet, at the very foundation of our being, that which is unborn and undying is, without a doubt, our inherent Goodness.
The attainment (in practice) lies in strengthening your good thoughts rather than allowing negative causes to dominate your thinking. When your actions, your speech, and your thoughts are all rooted in Goodness, the path of practice naturally becomes free of many obstacles and barriers. Even when you encounter adversity, you can easily transform it into a catalyst for your growth. This is because your good thoughts act as a driving force, propelling you forward rapidly. Everything that is good, everything that is pure, and everything that is untainted—this state of natural, pure, joyful, and compassionate living is the direction every practitioner should strive towards.
The Path to Eternal Liberation
At all times, you should awaken your good roots and good thoughts. As you do this, your evil tendencies will naturally weaken, and the Goodness of your human nature will rise, bringing peace and to the world. The Buddha’s teachings can inspire and stimulate the Goodness within people. By engaging in true practice and performing good deeds without being tainted by the impurities of the world, you can achieve great things. Consider the following aspects of your daily practice:
- Chanting Namo Amituofo:
- This is a magnificent practice that allows you to be reborn in the of Ultimate Bliss.Purifying the Heart:
- By letting go of worldly attachments, you allow your original nature to shine through.Cultivating Compassion: By extending kindness to all beings, you align yourself with the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way.
Chanting Namo Amituofo all the way is a profound attainment (in practice). The end of a human life is not a termination; rather, it is a journey that extends infinitely toward the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. May you always remain steadfast in your practice, knowing that your true home awaits.
Zhao Puchu
Recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Shi Fajing, chief writer
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About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library