The Essence of Equality

The Unified Essence of All Beings

Every sentient being inherently possesses the same true self. In this original, pristine state, there is no distinction between high and low, no separation between 'you' and 'me,' and no disparity between the wealthy and the poor. Our true self is a singular, unified essence; therefore, all beings are fundamentally equal. However, because of our varying degrees of confusion or awakening, we act differently. We plant different seeds through our thoughts, words, and deeds, which inevitably lead to different karmic fruits. This is why we perceive the world as having varying degrees of heavy or light karmic retribution, yet the underlying essence remains unchanged.

Whether we speak of the beings within the six realms of existence, the four holy states, the flowers, the grass, the trees, or the physical world—wishing to be as free as the wind, mountains & rivers—all have emerged from the spirit. All are manifestations of the spirit. Whether a being is defined by emotion or non-emotion, they all share the same true self. In this light, all things are perfectly equal, and this equality is the fundamental truth of our existence.

Manifesting the Equal Heart in Daily Life

How can we perceive this heart of equality? It is revealed naturally through our speech, our conduct, and how we treat others in our daily lives. When we interact with the world, we should naturally manifest the following qualities:

• Compassion: A genuine, heartfelt desire to help others, rooted in the understanding that we are all one.
• Wisdom (Prajna): The ability to help others resolve their confusion and doubts, guiding them toward the light of understanding.
• Serenity: Maintaining a calm and peaceful mind, which brings harmony to those around us, regardless of the chaos that may surround us.
• The Six Harmonies: Practising the principle of sharing benefits equally, which is the true expression of equality in a community.

By embodying these virtues, we allow our true self to shine through, helping others to see their own potential for awakening. This is the path of the practitioner, to live in a way that reflects the inherent equality of all life.

Maintaining Stillness Amidst the World

A heart of equality also means showing deep respect for the earth and all living creatures. We should wish for all sentient beings to flourish and live with vitality, free from the burdens of their past. However, when we encounter problems or difficult situations, we must seek a path to resolution while keeping our hearts unmoved. We must remain in a state of meditative concentration, ensuring that we are not swayed by external circumstances or the turbulence of the world.

Only by maintaining this inner stillness can we effectively transform our environment and help all beings leave suffering behind to find peace and happiness. This is the ultimate goal of our practice: to remain steadfast in our commitment to the truth, even when the world around us is in flux. These teachings were written by the chief writer, the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.