How to Prevent the Mind from Being Defiled by Phenomena

When facing right and wrong, or others' faults, and being unable to empty or avoid these circumstances—when we must resolve such interpersonal matters—what should we do? We should observe the illusory and unreal nature of interpersonal situations, observing that all phenomena are without self, without person, without sentient beings, and without the phenomena of affairs. If we must discuss interpersonal matters verbally, it should only be an objective evaluation at the level of the conscious mind, resolving matters in accordance with principle and in a proper manner. Internally, do not become agitated; do not allow yourself to be pulled along by the narratives of interpersonal affairs, sinking into them and becoming unable to extricate yourself. If you do, you will lose all power of mindful awareness. The notions of self, person, sentient beings, and phenomena will all manifest, and you will grasp them as real. Your mind will be defiled by the phenomena of affairs, and the defiled karmic seeds will be stored in your own tathāgatagarbha. You will personally suffer the karmic retribution in future lives, gaining no real benefit while incurring loss.

Would a wise person harbor others' faults within their own mind, defiling their own field, burdening future lives, and failing to attain purity? When seeing others' faults, turn the light inward to reflect upon your own mind—do not blame others without blaming yourself. Who cultivates the path must bear their own consequences; who can cultivate on behalf of others, achieve attainment for them, and yet shoulder the karmic results themselves? Such a principle does not exist!