On the twenty-ninth of January, 2019, a gentle breeze stirred the white clouds, causing them to drift and wander across the vast expanse of the sky. Another gust of wind swept across the earth, lifting fallen leaves and swirling them into small, dancing vortices. These miniature whirlwinds continued to spin, drawing in the surrounding dry grass and foliage to form tiny, harmless tornadoes that left all life untouched. Yet another breeze arrived, setting the prayer flags into rhythmic motion.
The Dance of and Connection
At the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre in Australia, we observe that on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, the spirits of the wind gather in great numbers. They bring their kin to this sacred place, seeking . This is the miraculous connection within the wind. All connections arise from the heart; they are born from our thoughts and our . When these conditions align, whether they manifest as something great or small, or whether they appear in the void, we must understand that their essence is empty. How can there be a true nature to grasp? How can there be suffering or illness? When these phenomena are driven by the movements of the mind, there is no need for further worry. Do not blame others for your circumstances; everything is a reflection of how you have cultivated your own mind. You must illuminate your own heart and observe the nature of your thoughts. Are you creating your own attachments, hiding secrets within, or speaking of the faults of others? When you see the mistakes of others, you should instead turn inward and repent for your own shortcomings. What truly constitutes a mistake? It is merely a judgment arising from the heart. If you do not let your mind be moved by such judgments, then even the void itself is empty and still.
Reflecting on the Inner Landscape
Although you possess awareness, you must strive to make it even clearer. You must ask yourself: what kind of vows have I made? The heart of a is defined by Compassion, , and Selfless Giving. One should only think of the welfare of all beings. Through meditative concentration, one gains profound insight, and with Wisdom, one welcomes the arrival of life. By listen to sutras and hear the , you can shatter the turbidity of your afflictions. If you truly wish to resolve your suffering, there is only one way: to maintain Right . What is Right Mindfulness? It is to be selfless, to have , and to align your heart entirely with the Buddha-heart. It is to work for the benefit of all beings without abandoning a single one.
The Vow to Save All Beings
Practitioner Su is a Buddha who has come to save the world. To all the great Bodhisattvas in the Western Land of Dharma Nature, know this: no matter how many words of the Buddha we speak, they remain merely words. Only through true vows, true practice, and the resolve to save all beings can you accumulate your own and merit. The act of helping others is the only true path; resolving the confusion of your own delusions is the only true Wisdom. When you give with joy, you are truly letting go. When you have no selfish thoughts, you are like the wind drifting freely. When the storms of life pass, you remain peaceful and secure, just as the banners of the Pure Land fly steadily in the breeze.
Returning to the True Self
The Pure Land Dharma Gate teaches us that when the heart is pure, the land is pure. By nurturing your heart and your nature, you will naturally find your heart opening. To see your true self is to see your true self. When the clouds of confusion disperse, the sky of your original nature will shine brilliantly. This light illuminates everything without end, inviting the wise and the capable to join together in the Buddha's path.
— Bodhisattva Ashvaghosha
This message was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Shi Haiyuan.
