The Surging Torrent of the Heart

The Nature of the Roaring Flood

During the Thrice Yearning Ceremony, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju offered profound insights into the nature of the human heart, using the imagery of a surging, uncontrollable flood. This teaching was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe, on the twenty-fourth of July, 2022.

Imagine a roaring flood, its waves crashing forward with immense, unchecked power. One might ask: does such a torrent have a destination? Does it have a purpose? In the natural order of things, a river is meant to flow within its banks, guided by the riverbed. It is meant to provide life and nourishment to the land it passes through, serving as a vital artery for the world.

The Destructive Power of Unchecked Emotion

However, when the water rises too high, it breaches the banks. It spills over, causing devastation to the surrounding land. This is much like the human heart when it is overwhelmed by the flood of anger. People are often caught off guard, completely unprepared for the sudden surge of such intense emotion. Just as a flood can submerge homes and cause great distress, our uncontrolled anger can damage the lives of those around us, leaving them shaken and fearful. While the physical damage of a flood can be repaired, the emotional scars left by an outburst of rage are far more difficult to heal.

Returning to Stillness

The roaring flood is like a person consumed by rage. It is a force that hurts everyone in its path. But consider this: regardless of the cause of this internal flood, if one can choose to let go of that anger, to settle the heart and find stillness, the transformation is profound. The water returns to its natural course, flowing peacefully within the banks. When we are calm, we can live our days in peace and tranquillity. We must learn to cultivate this stillness, ensuring that our hearts remain like a gentle, flowing stream rather than a destructive torrent. By practising the teachings of Namo Amituofo, we can find the strength to remain calm, no matter what challenges arise in our lives.

Namo Amituofo