Transcending the Mind of Gain and Loss
Teachings from Ashvaghosha Bodhisattva
Recorded on July 29, 2019
The Illusion of Gain and Loss
On July 29, 2019, Ashvaghosha offered profound guidance on the nature of the mind. Gain and loss are two sides of the same coin. When we gain, we feel ; when we lose, we feel sorrow. This is the nature of a mind that discriminates. Because of our mental notes, we create distinctions, and these distinctions manifest in our behaviour and even in the expressions upon our faces. When we speak of gain and loss, one can hear the state of the heart. If one lacks meditative concentration, the mind becomes polluted and loses its clarity. If the heart is moved by these dualities, it is a sign of turbidity. You must seek to depart from this state; do not let the water of your mind become even more clouded, for it will then be difficult to regain its natural purity.
In the state of , there is no mind that clings, and certainly no concept of gain or loss. If you are a practitioner and you find yourself holding onto such thoughts, you should let them go. The mind of gain and loss often arises alongside a competitive spirit. It is most likely to occur when we are caught in cycles of comparison, or when we face significant ups and downs in our lives. If you lack meditative concentration, you will be easily swayed by the external environment, people, and objects. This creates all kinds of fluctuations, which are the very source of your suffering.
The Roots of Attachment
The mind of gain and loss covers your originally pure heart with layers of filth. When subtle comparisons arise, we often fail to notice them because we are so accustomed to this way of thinking. Because we do not stop these thoughts in time, the mind of gain and loss continues to expand, eventually causing harm to ourselves and others. It is like a small spark; if you do not extinguish it immediately, the fire will quickly spread, burning and injuring both you and those around you.
How does the mind of gain and loss arise? It stems from several conditions:
- Insecurity and Possessiveness: When the heart feels insecure and lacks a true foundation, we seek external attachments. We develop a sense of possessiveness, believing that things are ours. Once someone else intervenes, the mind of gain and loss manifests, our insecurity returns, and unwholesome thoughts and behaviours arise.
- Ego and Arrogance: If you are accustomed to performing well, standing in the spotlight, and craving applause, you are prone to arrogance. When you face setbacks, changes, or misunderstandings from others, it is very easy for the mind of gain and loss to take root.
- The Manifestation of : Sometimes, our karma manifests, and we find ourselves controlled by our , making it difficult to maintain our own autonomy.
The Consequences of a Divided Mind
The harms of the mind of gain and loss are profound. It keeps our thoughts in constant fluctuation, causing inner torment. Without the protection of the , meditative concentration, and Wisdom, we may even create negative karma through our body, speech, and mind. Consequently, our wisdom is obscured and cannot grow. Furthermore, our relationships with others are damaged, making it impossible to treat them with sincerity. If the heart is not open and the spirit is not joyful, it is difficult to realise one's true nature. In the worst cases, one may become passive and lose all ambition, allowing the suffering of old age and illness to take hold. This is a great loss for any practitioner.
When the mind of gain and loss arises, if you do not receive proper guidance or healing, it is often accompanied by jealousy and a sense of disturbance. This causes your practice to regress, making it difficult to progress and leading to many regrettable outcomes.
Cultivating the Path to
How can we improve? First, you must seek the guidance of a true spiritual friend who can accept you, point out your faults, and help you return to the right path. Applause is merely an illusion of the external world. Since it is an illusion, it is subject 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 led by external circumstances. Such a mind is fragile and cannot withstand the challenges of practice.
The path of practice is not always filled with sunshine. You will inevitably encounter storms, and sometimes, the wind and rain may be relentless. Only those who can withstand the ravages of the storm, whose faith in seeking the remains firm and unchanging, and who continue to move forward, have the possibility of achieving success in their practice and realising their true nature to attain Buddhahood. Peace of mind does not come from the outside; it must be cultivated from within. When you see Goodness, learn from it. When you see what is not Good, reflect upon yourself and be vigilant not to commit the same errors. Only by changing your ways is there a possibility of progress.
Expanding the Mind and Embracing the Truth
Second, you must nurture your and mind-capacity. You should have the magnanimity to accept others, especially the capacity to wish for others to surpass you. Expand the capacity of your heart; the larger the space in your heart, the greater your achievements will be. Those who have realised their true nature have a boundless mind-capacity, and their achievements are likewise limitless. Those who study the Buddha’s teachings and wish 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.
Third, you should practise the view of oneness and equality. Regardless of age or gender, all beings possess the Buddha-nature. The differences in our level of awakening are only due to how much of our true self is currently manifest. You should treat everyone with respect and equality, without any sense of high or low. This is the conduct that a student of the Buddha should possess.
Fourth, remove your ego-attachment and personal views. If you have no personal opinions or to cling to, there will be no comparison, and thus no gain or loss.
Fifth, be content and always maintain a heart of gratitude. It is difficult to obtain a human body, yet you have obtained one; it is difficult to hear the Buddha’s teachings, yet you have heard them. You are able to study the 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 forward on the path to Awakening and the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This is a magnificent and rare opportunity. You should remember this at all times, maintain a heart of gratitude, 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 Power of the Ordinary Mind
The antidote to the mind of gain and loss is the ordinary mind. Face every change with calmness. Even when faced with disturbances, remain composed and undisturbed. When your meditative concentration is achieved, there will be no emotional fluctuations. You will understand that impermanence is the natural state of the world. Protect your precious, immovable heart, and Wisdom will naturally arise within your 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
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