Good Heart, Good Vision, Good Deeds, Good Words

During the first session of the Thrice Yearning Ceremony, we are reminded of the essential path for every practitioner. These teachings, recorded by the chief writer Venerable HaiZe, offer a clear framework for living in harmony with the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. To cultivate a life of goodness is not merely to follow social conventions, but to return to the purity of our original nature.

Transcending the Shackles of the Ego

To truly embody goodness, one must understand that it is not based on the "self," personal ego, and selfishness. When we think, see, act, or speak based on our habitual tendencies, we remain trapped in the cycle of rebirth. Instead, true goodness must arise from the True Heart, rooted in the depths of our being, and guided by the Truth. When we act from this place, our lives become a reflection of the wisdom inherent in all beings.

A Heart Aligned with the Truth

A good heart is defined by the state of the True Heart, which is free from wandering thoughts. If thoughts do arise, they must be in sync with the Truth. This is the foundation of our practice: to maintain a state of stillness where the mind is not clouded by attachments or desires. Every thought that arises should be a manifestation of this True Heart, ensuring that our inner world remains pure and focused on the path to Awakening.

The Clarity of Awakened Vision

Good vision is the ability to perceive the world without being ensnared by it. It is described as seeing without seeing, and seeing through the non-seeing. This means that while our eyes perceive the external world, our minds remain unattached. When we encounter goodness, we should praise it and learn from it, allowing it to reinforce our own practice. When we encounter what is harmful or contrary to the Truth, we should use it as a warning, a reminder to remain vigilant and steadfast in our commitment to the Right Way.

The Flow of Natural Action

Good deeds are performed without the interference of the ego. This is the practice of acting without the sense of a "doer." We act in accordance with the Truth, performing our duties with a natural flow. We do not dwell on our actions or seek praise for them; we simply do what is necessary and let it go. By acting in this way, we ensure that our deeds do not create new karmic burdens, but instead serve as a bridge to liberation.

Speech as a Reflection of the True Heart

Finally, good words are those that are in sync with the Truth and spoken from the True Heart. When our hearts are pure, our speech naturally becomes a source of comfort and guidance for others. By maintaining a good heart, good vision, good deeds, and good words, we are essentially returning to our original nature, which is inherently good. This is the path of the wise, where the transformation of our inner state leads to the transformation of our external world, allowing us to leave suffering behind and find true happiness.