Observing the mind is one of the most important tasks for any practitioner within the Buddha’s gate. All phenomena in the universe arise from the mind. Therefore, as a practitioner, you must ask yourself: are you truly aware of the state of your mind at this very moment? It is essential to recognise the difference between the worldly mind and your original, true nature.
The worldly mind is often characterised by:
Frivolity, which scatters your focus.
Anxiety, which disturbs your inner peace.
Restlessness, which prevents you from settling into the .
Reluctance, which hinders your progress on the path.
As a practitioner, you must distance yourself from these states. Instead, you should strive to cultivate the qualities of your original nature, which are:
Stability, providing a firm foundation for your practice.
Serenity, allowing you to remain calm amidst life's challenges.
Compliance, the ability to follow the flow of the Dharma.
Acceptance, the wisdom to let things unfold according to conditions.
The Power of Chanting
You must constantly gather your Body-Mind-Spirit, observing your own heart to remain clear about your current "situations". Chanting Namo Amituofo is the most effective method to subdue the wandering mind. If your heart does not dwell upon the Buddha-name, wandering thoughts and delusions will immediately arise. You must be extremely cautious of this.
You should hold tightly to the Buddha-name. Speak less and chant more; this is the duty of a true practitioner. Do not discuss the rights and wrongs of others, for your primary responsibility is to manage your own affairs. Whenever a wandering thought arises or a careless word is spoken, your heart is disturbed. When the heart is disturbed and agitated, it becomes polluted.
The Path to
A pure heart is one that is settled and unmoving, like a still lake without ripples. It contains only one pure thought: the recitation of Namo Amituofo. Those who have realised their true nature have reached a state of 'no-mind.' Their hearts do not dwell on anything, and they attain true freedom, moving through life with ease and .
When you observe your mind, you must ask yourself deep, reflective questions:
Can you see your own inability to take charge of your life, and the suffering caused by ageing and illness?
Do you notice your own or the lack of improvement when entering different spaces, and does this cause your heart to fluctuate?
Can you truly see the suffering of all beings?
Healing the Beings Within
Throughout your countless past lives, you have tasted every form of suffering. Your own suffering is, in truth, the suffering of the beings within our bodies. If you can resolve the suffering of these beings, you are simultaneously resolving your own. These beings reside within you, and if you have not yet learned to live in peace with them, you remain trapped in a cycle of karmic debt, seeking revenge or repaying kindness.
This relationship must be resolved through the Buddha's . You must invite these spirits to receive , allowing them to be saved and liberated. By observing your mind, you will know the state of your Body-Mind-Spirit. You will then be able to face these "situations" and improve them. Under the blessings of the Buddha in the , you can purify and elevate the quality of your Body-Mind-Spirit. This process of purification is the very essence of the path to Awakening and the true benefit of observing the mind.
