The Stillness of the Mind: Teachings on Not Stirring Waves

Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

The Essence of True Stillness

To maintain a mind that does not stir like waves is to possess true meditative concentration! Those who frequently give rise to anger and are easily swayed by emotional fluctuations lack this essential meditative concentration. In the midst of impermanence, those who lack this stillness are constantly tossed about by their own emotional waves. This agitation triggers the three karmic actions of Body, Speech, and Mind, which in turn causes the physical body to age more rapidly and makes illnesses more likely to manifest or worsen.

Transcending the Worldly Mind

It is often said in worldly philosophy that one cannot expect all things to go according to one's wishes, but one should strive to have a clear conscience. While this is a noble worldly sentiment, in our practice at the bodhimanda, we must go further. We must advance toward the state of no-self and no-mind. Regardless of whether circumstances align with our personal desires, we must simply continue our practice with unwavering focus!

The wishes or opinions of others are often merely the projections of beings trapped in the cycle of rebirth, driven by their own karma. How can we rely on such fleeting perceptions? Instead, we must rely solely on the teachings of the Buddha and the guidance of Practitioner Su. Do not allow the words of others to disturb your heart, for such agitation only attracts the manifestation of negative karma. Therefore, you must learn to still these waves, for only in a calm mind can you clearly perceive the ultimate truth.

The Six Perfections and the Still Mind

To maintain a mind that does not stir like waves is essential. Here is how this stillness manifests in each of the Six Perfections:

• Generosity (Giving):
• By not stirring waves, you give without attachment to the self, acting purely to help the other person. This is the practice of purity.Discipline (Precepts):
• By not stirring waves, you ensure that your practice of the precepts remains undisturbed by external interference.Patience (Endurance):
• By not stirring waves, you embody the true spirit of compassion.Diligent Practice:
• By not stirring waves, you are able to move forward directly toward your goal without hesitation or doubt.Meditation (Concentration):
• By not stirring waves, you return to your natural state, which in turn makes your concentration even more powerful.Wisdom (Prajna): By not stirring waves, you allow the light of wisdom to manifest clearly.

When you maintain this stillness in every one of the Six Perfections, your practice as a Bodhisattva will surely achieve success, and the Buddha's path will be attained. Namo Amituofo.