Momingzhi's Contemplative Practice

Observing photos of a person from their youth and old age, they appear almost entirely different. Is this present body the same as that body from before? I played the guzheng for many years and had a deep interest in the guqin, but last year I gradually lost interest. Attitudes toward the same thing can slowly transform. Is this disinterested mind the same as the previously fond mind? Observing the changes in my own body and the shifts in my mental nature, I find that the cells of this physical body and my own mental nature are constantly arising and ceasing, undergoing change. From this perspective, these are all phenomena that arise from causes and conditions; therefore, they lack inherent, independent existence.

Comment: The observation and understanding are quite good. Being able to see through and let go of what one loves and enjoys indicates that one has matured, no longer clinging like a child to toys. All phenomena within the Three Realms are like toys. Different beings enjoy different toys: beings in the Desire Realm enjoy the toys of the Desire Realm, beings in the Form Realm enjoy the toys of the Form Realm, and beings in the Formless Realm enjoy the toys of the Formless Realm. All are unable to see through; their minds are deluded by the circumstances, thus becoming trapped and unable to attain liberation. The inability to see through circumstances is caused by ignorance. Ignorance is difficult to eradicate because it has enveloped us for such a long time—unable to break through the darkness, mistaking darkness for light. Only under the guidance of the Buddhadharma, by recognizing ignorance, understanding the self, and discerning circumstances, can one gradually break through the darkness, eradicate ignorance, cast off bondage, and attain effortless liberation.

Dedication Verse: With all the merit from Dharma propagation and group practice on our online platform, we dedicate it to all sentient beings throughout the dharma realm, and to the people of the world. We pray for world peace and the absence of war; for conflicts to cease and weapons to be permanently laid down; for all disasters to completely subside! May the people of all nations unite in mutual aid, extending kindness to one another; may favorable weather bring abundant harvests, and nations prosper with their people at peace! May all sentient beings deeply believe in cause and effect, harbor compassionate hearts free from killing; widely form virtuous connections and cultivate wholesome deeds; believe in the Buddha, study the Dharma, and increase their roots of goodness; recognize suffering, abandon its origins, aspire to cessation, and cultivate the path; close the door to the evil destinies and open the path to nirvana! May Buddhism flourish eternally and the true Dharma abide forever; transforming the burning house of the Three Realms into the pure land of Ultimate Bliss!