The awakening of spiritual awareness (7)
The function of the heart is boundless and infinite. All illusions are derived from the imagination of consciousness. In the realm of delusion, fantasies arise without a name. Afflictions arise alongside them.
The function of the heart can be simple or complex. It depends on what you choose to extract. If you want it to be complex, it will be complex. If you want it to be simple, it will be simple.
The way is ultimately simple, tranquil, and pure. A single thought in the human heart can give rise to myriad phenomena. It allows for infinite possibilities but ultimately leads to losing touch with one’s true self. The way itself is beyond words. People walk within the way.
Today, when one forcefully speaks about the way, what is said is not truly the way. It comes from the illusory and fanciful thoughts of human hearts, mixed with too many people’s imaginations within it. It has drifted further and further away from the way.
Why is it difficult for people walking in the way to realize it? Simply because their hearts are not at peace and desires remain unfulfilled. Emotions arise due to external conditions. Clinging to emotions becomes a burden that obstructs the path as well. The way is near yet sought after in distant places.
Ancient sages said: The heart itself is the way. Seeking the way apart from the heart leads nowhere. It is neither seeking nor cultivating nor learning elsewhere; it is inherently complete within oneself and resides in a single mind. All laws return to one; where does one return?
In this very moment, with a pure thought, engage with circumstances and things around you. One should always remain tranquil and not dwell on extremes or depart from the middle path; do not cling to the middle path either. Being present in the middle path embodies true divinity.
by – Master Liu Hongming