The Vastness of Mind-Capacity

The Foundation of All Things

The Buddha’s teachings tell us that everything is mind-only. The vastness of the universe, the earth beneath our feet, and the very quality and quantity of our lives are all contained within the heart. From this, we can understand just how vital our mind-capacity truly is. Our heart and mind can be as small as a grain of sand or as vast as the boundless cosmos. The state of our mind-capacity is determined by several factors: our personal ego and habits; the influence of our karma and karmic creditors; our habitual patterns of thought and intention; and the specific level of the six realms of existence in which we currently reside.

The Illusion of the Conditioned World

Everything in the conditioned world is inseparable from the ten directions of the Dharma Realm. Within this realm, all conditioned phenomena operate as a part of the mind. These phenomena involve our thoughts, intentions, and reasoning. They are defined by the distinctions we make between self and other, right and wrong, and good and bad. This is a world of illusions. People have become accustomed to living within these conditioned phenomena, constantly thinking, discriminating, and chasing after the colourful, ever-changing sights of this world. Some even hope to find the true meaning of life within these distractions. They do not realise that this is like searching for flowers in a thick fog. It is an illusion within an illusion. How can one find the true meaning of life or attain clarity in such a state?

Awakening to the Unconditioned

When the fog finally disperses, the illusory scenery vanishes without a trace. If you have attained a level of understanding, you will be able to see clearly that this is merely an illusory realm that cannot exist forever. While dwelling within this illusion, your heart can encompass all things without being moved or confused by them. You must wake up and reclaim your boundless true self. The unconditioned Dharma is a perspective of oneness—pure and unstained. It elevates the quality of your spirit, leading to a life of selflessness, no-self, and a state beyond thought and desire, ultimately guiding you to Awakening.

Measuring Spiritual Achievement

The success of your practice can be measured by the size of your mind-capacity. The greater your mind-capacity, the greater your achievement will be. If your mind-capacity is infinite, your achievement will be infinite. Mind-capacity is a fundamental part of the heart. The practice of Compassion, Joy, and Selfless Giving, as well as the Six Paramitas, are all methods designed to expand this capacity. Chanting Namo Amituofo is a particularly effective shortcut for this expansion. A true practitioner chants until they reach a state of no-mind and no-thought—chanting while not chanting, and not chanting while chanting. This pure heart manifests externally in how we treat others and how harmoniously we interact with people. Those who possess the Wisdom (Prajna) understand this principle. They focus their practice on expanding their compassionate mind-capacity until their heart is fully open, fully bright, and fully understanding. That is the moment of Awakening.

The Freedom of a Boundless Heart

Those with a large mind-capacity engage in broad acts of giving. The merit of giving is not determined by the amount given, but by whether the act is done without attachment and without seeking a reward. In their interactions with others, they do not dwell on trivial matters and are always ready to forgive the faults of others. A large mind-capacity can always grow larger, expanding until it is boundless. Understanding that there is always someone better; there is always a higher authority, they remain humble and modest. They do not ignore the needs of others to stubbornly insist on their own views, nor do they become complacent about their own deeds. Instead, they live in harmony with everyone. They overcome various obstacles and accept the shortcomings of others. What others might see as a problem, a person with a large mind-capacity sees as nothing at all, and they remain joyful. They do not measure success or failure through their own thoughts; instead, they treat others with a sincere and direct heart. Their compassionate and wise actions arise naturally, without the need for calculation or discrimination. This is the heart and action of one with a great mind-capacity.

The Path of the Human Realm

The higher the level of space one occupies, the greater their mind-capacity. Within the six realms of existence, only the human world offers the precious physical body that allows us to change our personality traits and habits, creating immeasurable possibilities. Only here do we have the opportunity to fully open our mind-capacity, reclaim our true self, and realise our potential for Awakening and Buddhahood. Those who have realised their true nature have inevitably passed through various tests: tests of mind-capacity, tests of no-self and selflessness, tests of enduring the rights and wrongs of others, and tests of "see through" and "let go" until the heart is empty of all stains. They have proven they do not fear hardship and can accommodate those who resist or reject them, still treating them with courtesy. Without a great mind-capacity, such conduct is difficult to achieve.

The Trap of the Small Self

Those with a small, narrow mind-capacity are constantly finding fault with others and creating conflict. They struggle to forgive the mistakes of others, are easily angered, frequently encounter obstacles, and live unhappy lives. They are not generous, fearing that they will suffer a loss or be taken advantage of. They cannot tolerate criticism or dissatisfaction from others, and their faces often show signs of resentment and anger. They do not know how to reflect on their own faults, preferring to rely on their own opinions and finding it difficult to accept the views of others. They cannot bear to see others succeed, are prone to jealousy and anger, and only consider giving after they have calculated their own gains and losses. Such calculations make it difficult to achieve anything great.

Reclaiming the True Self

In truth, the size of one's mind-capacity is also a part of one's karma. Those who cannot master their own minds are often controlled by their fate, karma, and karmic creditors. A person who has truly reclaimed their true self can take charge of their life. They understand their own actions and do not bicker with others. Whether it is food, clothing, or daily necessities, they always think of the needs of those around them and are happy to share. They have no ego. Like the vast void that can contain all things in heaven and earth, they are boundlessly pure. This naturally expands their vision, allowing them to see the infinite. After Awakening, they attain the clarity of the five eyes.

The Great Vessel of the Dharma

Do not refrain from doing something just because it seems small. As long as it benefits the masses, you should do it with joy. Even when you are in a difficult situation, if you can sacrifice your personal interests for the benefit of the majority, you will be able to accomplish great things. Your actions will be in sync with your true self, and through this understanding, your heart will open completely, leading to Awakening. This is the mark of a great vessel of the Dharma.

A Call to the Students of Hsiang Kuang

I hope that every student of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre can open their mind-capacity. With a broad and boundless heart, do not look at the faults of others, but only at your own shortcomings. Do not stain your pure heart. Be selfless and have no ego; do not think of yourself first, but prioritise the needs of others. Let go of your ego and stubborn self. Abandon your personality traits and habits, because whenever these manifest, it is a sign that your karma and karmic creditors have appeared. If you can follow the Causal Conditions, adapt to circumstances, observe the situation before acting, and teach according to the needs of the moment, that will be the time of your Awakening. You will find a new life and a new perspective.

This message was recorded by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe.