Always mindful of calm abiding,
we are liberated by the easy path to happiness
with truth and reality being
immediately realized, and sincerity and love
becoming the valuable commodities
of a true economy of basic goodness.
Thus we pass from the awakened state of mind
to the spiritually awakened state of mind
to the state of mind called happiness.
This is called the transformation of evil into good.
Once we attain happiness, we are free
to help other people find the easy path of practice,
voicing our mindfulness of awakened being,
realizing truth as-is, seeing reality as-is,
and speaking sincerely with true love
to the benefit of all sentient beings.
Having attained happiness, do not linger
in this joyful state of mind,
but teach others how to easily attain it,
never wavering from the Buddhadharma.
This is the easy path of happiness.
4 comments:
Regarding the second stanza:
"The awakened state of mind" is the ordinary state of mind on awakening.
"The spiritually awakened state of mind" is the extraordinary state of mind when inspired by a higher power such as Amida Buddha.
"The state of mind called happiness" is the calm mind achieved during meditation.
Thus this change from merely awakening to spiritual awakening to the calm mind left clear and bright is called "the transformation of evil into good".
Here is the explanation for "transforming evil to good" is based on a nondual concept of good and evil.
So I'm going to go with the "two-sides of a coin" analog of "good and evil".
Good and evil are two sides of the same coin called judgment.
Evil is when the negative emotions and their parts so colour my view of life that only the self is the centre of refuge in a dark room, seemingly safe from the world.
Thus I expect it to be that way forever. Indeed, evil imposes limitations on self.
Good is when the positive emotions and their parts brighten up that room, and help me see my life so clearly that I accept who I am, and accept the world for what it is.
Furthermore, that acceptance leads me to have no expectations about self or other. For life is truly ephemeral, subject to change. Thus, good imposes no limitations on self or other.
So how then is the awakened state of mind on awakening, being an ordinary state of mind, evil?
In context of what has been written so far regarding evil, I am speaking of spiritual evil. An ordinary state of mind on awakening has the tendency towards evil because it has yet to spiritually awaken.
Once it is inspired by Amida Buddha, the ordinary mind undergoes an extraordinary transformation called "the spiritually awakened mind".
With mindful practice and meditation, one is able to achieve the state of mind called happiness, which is called the calm mind.
Through practice and meditation, the calm mind is left clear and bright. It is also an unwavering mind.
Such a mind of clarity is a good mind to achieve because one is able to be loving and caring towards others.
Thus the transformation of evil into good is achieved through mindful practice and meditation in daily life.
"Amida Buddha" refers to the Buddha of the Pure Land, which may be thought of as an idealized form of paradise.
The Pure Land of Bliss represents the ideal of happiness towards which all Buddhists aspire.
Essentially though, mere belief does not sustain such an ideal which begins as a seed of karma planted in the heart-mind of the believer.
For each believer is encouraged to act and speak in such a way as to embody the ideals of happiness.
Thus, one must be of service to others, and willing to help out in times of need.
Post a Comment