The Awakening of the Spirit (25)
All things in heaven and earth exist because of the mind. The myriad phenomena of the universe are also understood through the mind’s awareness of their impermanence and change. If a person’s mind is lost, what remains of heaven and earth? What changes in all phenomena? It is through the perception of existence that one feels the presence of all things.
The changes in the myriad phenomena of the universe are all felt by the heart. Only then does one recognize their existence and transformation. Humans stand between heaven and earth, sensing the changes in weather that nurture all living things. Each person has their own feelings; beings have different natures, and their experiences vary greatly. The world they observe is also distinct for each individual. Ancient sages and wise individuals have used their hearts to comprehend the true meaning of the universe and life, expressing it through words. Everything they speak of is a manifestation of the heart’s function. If one understands their own heart, then heaven, earth, and life are all derived from that heart.
Why do people experience good and evil karma? It is because beings have different natures. Good and evil are self-assessments made by beings’ hearts. Good is not purely good; evil is not purely evil either. Within goodness lies a mix of evil habits; within evil resides an intention for goodness. Joy arises upon seeing goodness; anger arises upon witnessing evil. Suffering and happiness arise in tandem due to actions taken based on notions of good and evil, distinguishing everything.
Practice leads to both extremes: caught up in good or evil actions.
Love and hate do not arise; non-duality is neither one nor two.
What exactly are afflictions?
Practice moves away from both extremes; good and evil are beyond comprehension.
The unity begins anew.
Clearly perceiving reveals true divinity; one sees their original self.
Ultimately regaining one’s true face.
Only by recognizing those with true hearts can one understand who reigns over Dharma—this too comes from one’s own heart.
by – Master Liu Hongming
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