To walk
on the right path. To follow the righteous way. This is the wish of every person. No one wishes to tread on a crooked path.
Those who believe they are not on the righteous path see the world’s injustices through their own lens of righteousness. The names and forms have already taken shape, branding their hearts with attachment, bound by these forms.
The scriptures say: Everyone in the world knows what is good as good. This is not good at all. The recognition of concepts distinguishes right from wrong, good from evil, and has already bound one’s own heart. The true law cannot be realized; when the heart gives rise to the true law, it is already not right.
Purifying body, speech, and mind in all three aspects—how can one correct their heart, intentions, and actions? It all stems from having a name and form for what is right. What is wrong arises alongside it. Knowing one’s own righteousness allows one to see the world’s injustices.
The formation of understanding brings along troubles. In reality, one does not know the meaning of righteousness. Righteousness means not being biased or slanted; it stops at unity. When joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness have yet to arise, the heart remains centered within itself—sincere intentions lead to a righteous heart.
Sincerity means not deceiving oneself. Clinging to names and forms while acting leads one to believe there is a righteous path to seek; this is self-deception. The righteous path lies within the heart; it stops at unity—one heart without duality.
Right and wrong do not arise; Buddha and demons do not dwell here. What is this heart? It cannot be described by words; those who understand know this themselves. Words fail here; where thoughts cease—at this moment, one knows themselves.
One cannot speak nor grasp it as truth. As soon as there are words spoken, it becomes untrue. Practitioners should be cautious—not using their own sense of righteousness against others’ unrighteousness.
by- Teacher Liu Hongming