The Correct Perspective on Practice

Correct Understanding of Practice

Currently, there is a trend of “spiritual practice” in Taiwan and around the world. However, this has not improved the social atmosphere. Although temples are abundant and there are many places for practice, it seems to have no direct impact on contemporary scholars. This forces people to re-evaluate what practice means and to gain a deeper understanding of the term.

Practice must begin with the cultivation of conditioned phenomena before gradually entering into the unconditioned state of practice. With conditions comes achievement; with achievement comes decay. Thus, one cannot escape the four aspects of arising, dwelling, decaying, and emptiness.

The Heart Sutra states: The original mind—”innate nature”—is characterized by “neither defilement nor purity, neither increase nor decrease,” embodying the Middle Way that does not fall into duality; this is the most genuine and pure form of Middle Way thinking. The source of truth and reality is free from any impurities.

What is commonly referred to as “original purity” actually stems from a perspective encouraging goodness; practitioners should have a deeper understanding of this. The truth belongs to a neutral state, which allows for the possibility of falling into good or evil.

“Good” and “evil” are entirely different qualities; doing good does not mean one lacks malicious intent, nor does being frequently engaged in wrongdoing imply a lack of kindness. People often say: as long as you do not commit bad deeds or harm others, that is sufficient; however, this merely represents basic humanitarian principles and does not imply pure goodness.

Spiritual practitioners should maintain their cultivation in goodness regarding body, speech, and mind. However, if one harbors thoughts like “I am a good person,” “I am doing good deeds,” or “I am practicing,” then having such thoughts adds an unnecessary quality.

This can unconsciously lead us to develop attachments to greed, hatred, and ignorance; an inner subtle self will arise from this which becomes a burden on your path in life and practice, gradually accumulating into arrogance and self-attachment.

Learning Buddhism or Taoism requires finding one’s true heart—discovering “yourself,” restoring your original self’s initial heart. For those who have just begun their practice—it is essential to maintain purity in body, speech, and mind at all times while being keenly aware of surface consciousness…

Gradually harmonizing your body-mind-spirit’s gentleness allows you to dwell naturally in peace and ease. Although engaged in practice, it should not merely be superficial… falling into complex rituals or remaining at the level of study and discussion alone.

Practitioners need not cling to or be overly concerned with thoughts about “practicing,” as this will create another form of invisible pressure and burden for you. Once “practice” becomes a source of stress or burden it may resemble work; once it becomes your job ultimately falls into the trap of “self” or “conditioned action.”

When it becomes about “self,” it serves as external nourishment that only adds weight to you. It cannot truly enter your core “inner true heart.” Of course you may appear different than before but all this has nothing to do with regaining your original self or restoring who you truly are.

If something can be obtained then there will be something to cling onto. True practice involves nothing to cultivate, nothing to obtain, nothing to cling onto or achieve—it simply involves removing excess impurities and eliminating negative energy in order to return to simplicity. In this process of returning for convenience’s sake we might use the term “practice.”

However when you hear it you should understand its true meaning—never remain at superficial levels—that is “superficial practice.” Just use your clarity and awareness; when you lack clarity that is ignorance; when you lack awareness that turns into unknowingness.

When awareness is you—you are aware; when clarity is you—you are clear. When “self-awareness” disappears where do troubles come from? The root cause of troubles lies within “self”—“self” often turns profound teachings (the unconditioned) into conditioned actions.

The Diamond Sutra states: “If one sees me through form or seeks me through sound such a person walks an evil path unable to see Tathagata.” Form, sound, person—all are products of self—qualities derived from self. The Platform Sutra also states: “One who realizes non-thought comprehends all dharmas; one who realizes non-thought sees all Buddhas’ realms; one who realizes non-thought reaches Buddhahood.”

“Non-thought” is at the core of Buddhist teachings—the essence of Buddhist life itself. What does non-thought mean? A non-thought person still has thoughts! How can non-thought be thought? It means that while having thoughts they do not linger on them nor cling onto them—these thoughts do not arise from one’s own mind (this refers specifically to mental activity).

Thus such thoughts equate with non-thought—they do not extend further—they arise yet depart from thought—they arise yet remain unattached—they arise yet possess no self—it simply uses the original heart—“true heart”—to illuminate without leaving traces behind.

If each thought causes fluctuations within your heart then each thought carries potential pollution towards your true heart—you will take these thoughts seriously—and thus all troubles along with dissatisfaction will emerge causing distress for you.

When you understand your true heart being aware in the present moment your thoughts become like clouds—sometimes visible sometimes faint—they won’t disturb you at all. As ancient wisdom says: “The green mountains remain unmoved while white clouds come and go.” This represents true non-thought—the realm of Buddha.

And Buddha isn’t without thought—Buddha embodies both thought yet transcends thought—“being” and “non-being” unify within a pure bright peaceful state. If someone were completely without thought they would either be dead or indistinguishable from wood or stone.

Thus having thought versus no thought isn’t duality—all that falls under duality diverges away from the principle beyond duality. If asked how one should cultivate? How does one resonate? All great endeavors require steadfast faith along with perseverance—that’s an essential prerequisite condition.

The Treatise on Sudden Awakening states: “The sudden awakening method takes non-thought as its essence while preventing deluded minds from arising as its aim. Purity serves as its foundation while wisdom acts as its application.” Non-thought refers specifically to absence from evil thoughts—not absence from right thoughts. What constitutes an evil thought? Evil thoughts stem from confusion—evil thoughts derive from unawareness. Right thoughts signify enlightenment—right thoughts represent correct awareness.

Right thinking can also be referred to as “single-minded Bodhi”—Bodhi means awakening; being aware each moment without confusion signifies right thinking.Right thinking can also mean remaining undisturbed by any circumstances—that embodies non-thinking.Upon attaining non-thinking liberation naturally follows—that represents ‘non-thinking action.’

Time isn’t particularly important for us—not needing much time—a lifetime can achieve it—in this very moment too! What does seeing nature mean? Where do we come from? Why have we arrived in this world? Where shall we go after departing?

What common phenomena exist within life along with their meanings? If you can comprehend these matters clearly within your heart—that signifies seeing nature.In other words，“seeing” means realizing what was originally immortal—the eternal true self—which embodies no distinction between self-and-other—the equality between sentient beings & Buddhas alike.

As long as you continue practicing while confirming it—it becomes your Dharma body—that signifies accomplishment within Dharma body.As long as you’re able genuinely comprehend deeply without doubt achieving Dharma body isn’t difficult—as long as you’re able integrate all emotions rationalities etc., merging every aspect into correct views—you’ll consistently maintain tranquility & awareness—with nothing surpassing such exaltation.

Hard work yields harvests effort leads towards success.Let’s forget about ‘hard work’ ‘harvest’ ‘effort’ ‘success’. Engage effortlessly in learning—that’s sufficient.To transcend expectations must adopt indifference towards them focusing on long-term goals thereby enhancing favorable conditions daily progressing ultimately achieving success!

by- Phoenix Mountain Cihuang Palace