THE KEY TO CULTIVATION

By Venerable Master Hsing Yun

We often hear people say, “Cultivate the mind, and nurture our nature.”  While the mind certainly needs cultivation, the rest of our sense organs–eyes, ears, mouth, as well as every one of our limbs–should also be trained.  Hence, the key to cultivation does not apply just to the mind.  We need to cultivate both our body and mind, both the external and the internal. The following are some guidelines for doing so:

1. A face without anger is a true offering.  Buddhism advocates making offerings.  Devotees often make ten offerings to the buddhas and bodhisattvas, which include incense, flowers, lamps, oil, fruit, tea, food, treasure, beads, and clothing.  But the best offering we can make does not necessarily entail material things.  People may offer money, fruits, or special gifts.  However, if they make an offering without sincerity or a true heart, but do so instead with a stern face, it will become meaningless.  On the other hand, nothing can compare to the joy of an honest and true smile given to others, because such a smile is the most welcoming sight.  Who in the world would not wish for a smile from others?  Therefore, a face without anger is the best offering.

2. A mouth of praise is wondrous incense.  This is the age that focuses so much on sights and sounds.  So besides keeping a smile on our face, we should also sing often the song of praise.  Radio and television stations nowadays are very serious about the quality of their sound.  Some stereo systems can deliver very high-quality digital sound, but may cost thousands of dollars, while a small boom box may be cheaper, but the sound is often far less rich to our ears.  Likewise, the sounds people make with their mouths can be either pleasing or jarring.  Some people, as soon as they open their mouths, make demeaning remarks about others.  Others sound like music from heaven or smell like fragrant flowers whenever they speak.  People’s hearts also blossom when they listen to them talk.  If we can speak in a way that gives others joy and make them happy, then our words will be more meaningful and, thus become the best offering we can make.

3. A compassionate mind is invaluable treasure.  Most people’s minds are filled with greed, anger, and delusion.  Therefore, we have to cultivate our mind.  How do we do that?  It is most important to cultivate compassion. Buddhism sees “compassion as the basis; skillful means as the gate.”  The meaning of compassion is giving joy and alleviating suffering.  Being able to bring others joy and uproot their suffering is the most invaluable way to cultivate ourselves.

4. Buddha’s light brings incomparable fortune, longevity, and good health. People often ask, “Where is the Buddha?”  The Buddha is in the Pure Land of Everlasting Light, the World of Ultimate Bliss, and in the universe.  These are all correct answers.  However, in learning the Dharma, what is most important is to cultivate the Buddha in our mind and in our hearts.  If we have the Buddha in our mind, we can feel his existence and share in the Dharma body of the Buddha all the time.  This is what we mean by “the Buddha’s light shines universally for all.”  As such, we can naturally gain fortune, longevity, peace, and good health.

Therefore, it is best for us to cultivate and use all our six sense organs at the same time.