Transcending the Mind of Gain and Loss

The Shadow of Attachment

Gain and loss are two sides of the same coin. When we gain, we feel joy; when we lose, we feel sorrow. These reactions arise from the discriminations of our mental notes, leading to various actions and manifesting in our very expressions. When we speak of gain and loss, we reveal the state of our hearts. If one lacks meditative concentration, the mind becomes polluted and loses its clarity. If your heart is stirred by these feelings, it is a sign of turbidity. You must seek a way to transcend this, lest the waters of your mind become even murkier, making it impossible to attain purity.

In the state of Awakening, there is no mind, and certainly no concept of gain or loss. If you are a practitioner who still clings to this mindset, you should let it go. The mind of gain and loss often accompanies a competitive spirit. It arises most easily during times of comparison, when we perceive great disparities in status or achievement. If you lack meditative concentration, you will be swayed by the external environment, people, and things, creating all sorts of ripples. This is the very source of your suffering.

The mind of gain and loss stains your originally pure heart with layer upon layer of filth. Subtle comparisons often occur out of habit, and because we do not notice them, we fail to stop them in time. This allows the mind of gain and loss to expand continuously, causing harm to ourselves and others. It is like a spark; if you do not extinguish the small flame, it will quickly cause the fire of the mind to spread, eventually burning both yourself and others.

The Roots of Mental Turbulence

The mind of gain and loss typically manifests in the following ways:

• Insecurity and Attachment: When the heart is restless and lacks a foundation, we find something to rely on and develop a sense of possessiveness, thinking, "This is mine." Once an outside party intervenes, the mind of gain and loss appears, insecurity returns, and unwholesome thoughts and behaviours arise.
• Attachment to Fame: Those who perform well, enjoy being in the spotlight, are arrogant, or crave applause are easily struck by setbacks, changes, or misunderstandings. In such moments, the mind of gain and loss is easily triggered.
• The Manifestation of Karma: When one's past karma manifests, one may be controlled by karmic creditors, making it difficult to remain in control of one's own mind.

The Weight of the Burdened Heart

The consequences of holding onto a mind of gain and loss are profound:

• Mental Turmoil: Constant comparison, contemplation, and emotional reaction cause the mind to fluctuate. You suffer internally, lacking both Precepts and meditative concentration, and may even commit the three karmic acts of body and mind. Consequently, your Wisdom (Prajna) is obscured and cannot grow.
• Broken Relationships: Your ability to maintain harmonious relationships with others is compromised, as you cannot treat them with sincerity.
• Obstacles to Awakening: When the heart is not open and the mind is not joyful, it is difficult to realise your true nature. You may become discouraged or pessimistic, and as the sufferings of old age and illness manifest, this becomes a great loss for your practice.
• Regression in Practice: If the mind of gain and loss arises and you fail to receive proper guidance or healing, it is often accompanied by jealousy and disturbance. This causes your practice to regress, making it difficult to progress and leading to deep regrets.

The Path to Inner Liberation

How can we improve and move beyond this state? Consider these essential steps:

• Seek Guidance from a True Spiritual Friend: You need a true spiritual friend to accept and point out your faults, counseling you to return to the right path. Applause is merely an external illusion. Since it is an illusion, it belongs to the constant changes of the world. You should not rely on such illusions for peace of mind, as doing so will only make your heart more restless. If you are happy when praised and depressed or angry when scolded, your mind is being changed by external environments and is fragile. Practice will be difficult to achieve this way.
• Endure the Storms: The path of practice is not always sunny. You will inevitably encounter wind and rain, sometimes even merciless storms. Only those who can withstand such trials while keeping their faith in seeking the Dharma firm and unchanging—continuing to move forward—have the possibility of achieving success and realising one's true nature and attaining Buddhahood.
• Cultivate from Within: Peace of mind does not come from the outside; it is cultivated from within. When you see Goodness, learn from it; when you see what is not good, reflect inwardly and be vigilant not to commit the same errors. Only by changing your ways is progress possible.
• Expand Your Mind-Capacity: Nurture your compassion. Have the magnanimity to accommodate others, especially the capacity to wish for others to surpass you. Expand your mind-capacity; the size of your heart determines the scale of your achievements. Those who have realised their true nature have boundless mind-capacity, and their achievements are likewise limitless. Those who study the Buddha's teachings and seek to realise their true nature should learn in this way. The transmission of the Buddha's teachings requires everyone to work together to realise their true nature and achieve success.
• Practise the One-Body and Equality Views: Regardless of age or gender, all beings possess the Buddha-nature. The differences in confusion and awakening exist only because of how much of one's true self is revealed. You should treat everyone with respect and equality, without making high or low distinctions. This is the conduct that a practitioner should possess.
• Let Go of Ego-Attachment: When you have no personal views or feelings, there is no comparison, and thus no gain or loss.
• Practise Contentment and Gratitude: Be content and always maintain a heart of gratitude. The human body is difficult to obtain, yet you have obtained it; the Buddha's teachings are difficult to hear, yet you have heard them. You are able to study the Pure Land path and have encountered the place where Namo Amituofo truly abides. You are currently in this environment, receiving the teachings of Namo Amituofo, and moving toward the path of realising your true nature and the Western Land. This is a magnificent and rare opportunity! You should remember this at all times, remain grateful, and keep your vision focused on the long term. The mind of gain and loss will naturally fade away, and you will be the one who benefits the most.

The opposite of the mind of gain and loss is the ordinary mind. Face every change with calmness. Even remain composed and undisturbed. When meditative concentration is achieved, there are no emotional fluctuations. You will understand that impermanence is the normal state of the world. Protect your precious, immovable heart, and Wisdom (Prajna) will naturally arise within that deep meditative state. By overcoming the mind of gain and loss, your practice will take a great step forward!

This message was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

Namo Amituofo