It is easy to be selfless in the mind but it is extremely difficult to put it to practice. Guard the mind then, of all selfish thoughts; remove all pettiness and become all embracing, relating oneself with others, being able to treat any being, no matter how lowly or detestable it may seem to be. The practice of Kuan Yin spirit is not just devotion and prayers, there must be the active aspect in the way of service. To render help to others means much more than wishful thinking, which is inactive and therefore difficult for the benefit to be felt directly by them. It is the spirit that moves the mind, that causes one to reach out, to become another Kuan Yin in person. How many then can really be a real devotee? Think and reflect on this point deeply and see if you have only been a devotee in name, a superficial practitioner!
Be careful not to worship Kuan Yin for the sake of appeasing the ego. Do not put so much importance in your act of worship declaring to others the prayers that you have learnt or recited, the kindness that you have shown to others, “I” must not be disturbed because “I” am praying, am practising meditation and so on.
Such declaration is painful to the ears of Kuan Shih Yin and although efforts has been expanded, it could all be one big ego trip! Test yourself when the opportunity comes. Can you really accept such sacrifice by losing out a little so that others may be happier? If there is any thought of your own losing out then even if you give way the true spirit of giving is no longer there!
How many are praying to receive but not able to give? How can they expect favours to be given to them when they are practising stinginess? One must be kind to receive kindness and one must be able to give freely in order to receive. The wealth of the cosmos is immeasurable and can be drawn by those who are ready to receive them when their minds are free from selfishness!
The happy person is one who has a happy state of mind which is available to one and all! It does not mean that the rich are happy or the poor are miserable. On the surface it may seem so to the understanding of inferior minds. But think hard and see the sufferings of the rich and the cheerfulness of the poor ones. It is the state of mind that is important. All are able to reach the happiest states if they practise the way of the Buddhas. Being rich in spirit is what one should aim for. If material possessions can bring about great happiness why then should Sakyamuni turn away from kingship?
Daily prayers are means of reminders that one is reaching for the peace of heart and mind. It is not proper to perform worship simply for selfish gains and comforts. When the names of the great Beings are called, it is not for some petty requests. Buddhas and Bodhisattvas do not exist for the sake of such minds but for those who are able to relate themselves with the world, being able to see their sufferings and their causes and therefore wishing to provide them with all kinds of help, to remove their causes of sufferings!
The Buddha’s way is the only way to live which will remove all causes of sufferings. Yes, it is true when they say that Buddhism is not a religion - religion has too much limitations! The Buddha’s teaching is infinite. It is meant for all to practise no matter what religion they belong to, it is the Way for all Religions of the world to live by. If you can look from this point of view, then Buddhism is all religions! The precepts of the Buddhas are taught by all faiths, which are righteous and beneficial. If there is any faith that teaches one to do evil, it is no longer a path to freedom from pains.
What does your mind think each time you recite the five precepts? Do you put thoughts to each after you have recited it? Do you realise that by keeping these five simple precepts, you are on the way to happiness? Do you realise that when you practise abstinence from killing, stealing, adultery, false speech and intoxicants, you will no longer be able to harm yourself and others?
Who needs a god to relieve himself out of sufferings and to attain peace of mind when these simple precepts are kept? Their being kept daily will indeed purify the mind and makes it guilt-free!
This should lead one to understand that no one can conveniently bring him out of misery and put him into a state of bliss. Each one must save himself through right effort otherwise it would be easier for one to request others to eat on his behalf, to breath on his behalf, and so on. Then where is cultivation and right understanding? Cease the bad habit of asking others to pray for you then, for others to bring you out of any predicament. If happiness is sought, then follow the simple teachings and keep the precepts. There is no need to relate oneself to any religion, just keep the precepts sincerely and there will be happiness in this life and in the next!
Starting with today, put your mind before you each time you pray, work or doing any of your daily chores. Be mindful when praying, working, sitting, speaking, eating, walking, lying and even breathing. Make it a natural way of life and realise the calmness within; feel the happiness that arises and know that anyone can attain this state of being. Make a wish then that all your friends may enjoy this calm state and then you will always appear calm and happy to them. Eventually you will wish such happiness to fall on all other persons and that is when Kuan Yin will manifest within your heart! It is just the practise of awareness and non-clinging! So when you next sit and pray, you will not cling to false hope and ideas and begin to work earnestly to attain a happy mind. Then you will become more patient and humble, you will even be able to understand others’ behaviours and will not be critical of them, and then pettiness will surely subside. This in itself is cultivation which need not require the help of gods and others. By your own self you must rid all negativities that cause pains and sufferings.
Then true insight into realities will be gained and abandonment of clinging and grasping can be practised. Then the precepts of the Buddha need not be treated as commandments! Then there is no forcing in your way of practice because you have experienced the joys of living in harmony with your own mind and with others around you. Then you will always be aware and mindful of your feelings and thoughts, and then positive changes will certainly be taking place!
Let this year be a meaningful one. Drop away all that creates tension and pain. Remember that all worldly happiness are impermanent and be ready to avoid habits that bring sensual pleasures which will affect the mind. Then you will find happiness and purity within you so that your heart will become a suitable abode for Kuan Yin to reside!
It is all up to your own effort that will bring forth the happiness and energy to practise that which is good. Life will be meaningless if there is only the search for gratification of desires. Sit and think about the future. Try and guess how long you will live, go back to your happy moments of life and see whether or not they have always been short lived. How did Kuan Yin come into your life? Have you been grateful for the blessings that you have received? Know yourself, know others! See the dangers of a mind which is narrow in view and then change for the better.
Thursday, 28th February 1985 (1st Moon 9th Day)