The Wisdom of Opening and Closing

The Art of Mindful Living

The concepts of opening and closing are not merely physical actions; they are deeply and intimately connected to our daily lives and our spiritual practice. When we understand how to apply these principles at the appropriate time and in the correct manner, we find harmony. However, if we fail to apply them with wisdom, we may find ourselves suffering the consequences of our own negligence.

Consider the simple act of using water. We open the tap when we need it, and we must close it immediately after use. If we fail to do so, we risk wasting this precious resource. When the time comes that we truly need water, we may find the supply exhausted, and we will suffer the hardship of thirst. Similarly, consider the use of electricity. We should switch it on only when it is required. If we leave lights or appliances running when they are not needed, we deplete energy unnecessarily. When the power is finally gone, we will be left in total darkness, unable to see the path before us.

The Spiritual Significance of Conservation

The same principle applies to the use of fire. We ignite a flame only when it is necessary for our tasks. If we leave a fire burning when it should be extinguished, we invite the grave danger of an accidental blaze. Likewise, consider the doors of our home or the temple. We open them when it is time to welcome others or to move between spaces, but we must close them when it is time to secure our environment. If we leave a door open when it should be closed, we compromise our safety and peace of mind.

In our spiritual practice, we must learn to guard our actions and our environment. These daily resources—the water we drink, the electricity that powers our centre, and the facilities we use—are provided through the support of the Dharma protectors and the offerings of the temple. We must cherish these resources and avoid all forms of waste. To waste is to squander one's own blessings.

Cultivating Gratitude and Merit

As practitioners, we are constantly striving to cultivate both blessings and wisdom. We are often behind in our efforts, which is why we must work even harder to accumulate the necessary provisions for our journey to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. If we are wasteful, if we do not know how to cherish our blessings, and if we fail to engage in diligent practice, we are effectively depleting our own merit. When our blessings are exhausted, we will inevitably face suffering.

To cherish your blessings, you should adopt the following practices:

• Conserve water and electricity in every possible way.Manage your resources wisely; consume only what is necessary and avoid greed in your diet.Use paper and other materials sparingly; do not be wasteful.Value all resources; if an item can be reused, you should make every effort to do so. To do otherwise is to diminish your own merit.

If we lack gratitude, if we break the Precepts, or if we are lazy and disrespectful, we are actively destroying our own virtue and blessings. We are enjoying the fruits of our good karma without engaging in the diligent practice required to sustain it. You must be extremely cautious in this regard. Let us always remain mindful, cherish every resource, and continue our path with a heart full of gratitude and devotion. Namo Amituofo.

Recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.