The Virtue of Simplicity and Plainness

The Essence of a Pure Heart

Recorded by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe, on the third of October, 2021. In the teachings of Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, we are reminded that simplicity and plainness are not merely external choices; they are profound qualities of the heart and character. This state of being radiates naturally from within, reflecting a deep alignment with our true self. You can observe this quality in every aspect of a person’s life, from the way they eat, dress, and reside, to the way they carry themselves in their daily interactions and their overall attitude toward existence.

Simplicity and plainness represent a stable and grounded state of mind. It is a quietude that does not seek to be loud or boastful. It is a calm surface without ripples, yet it is filled with sincerity, humility, and grace. This is not something that can be forced; it is a skill of the heart that one must cultivate through diligent practice. When your heart is truly simple, you are no longer swayed by the turbulence of the external world.

The Taste of True Contentment

Consider the metaphor of the vegetable root. Those who live with simplicity can taste the subtle, natural sweetness of a simple vegetable root. In contrast, those who are accustomed to the heavy, ornate, and intense flavours of a worldly life lose the ability to appreciate such simple joys. These two types of people, with their differing characters, essentially live in different worlds and experience life in entirely different ways. One is tethered to the constant craving for more, while the other finds profound satisfaction in the essence of life itself.

As a practitioner, you must strive to transform your life. You must learn to transition from the thick to the thin, from the turbulent to the calm, and from the ornate to the simple. This is the path of gradual refinement. By doing so, you will eventually enter a state where, regardless of the circumstances you face, you remain unmoved and anchored in meditative concentration. This simplicity is expressed through clear and humble speech, and sometimes, it is even more powerful in the silence of one's presence, where the truth of one's true self simply shines through.

Returning to Your Original Face

A heart that practises simplicity and plainness is a heart that has attained a state of meditative concentration. When you have this concentration within, you are in perfect sync with nature and your true self. This is what we call returning to your original face. By letting go of the unnecessary, you uncover the brilliance that has always been there, waiting to be realised. Namo Amituofo.