The Path of Accord and the Path of Opposition

Whoever accords with the true mind attains freedom and liberation. Therefore, according with the true mind is according with the Way; going against the true mind is going against the Way—it is going against Heaven—and suffering is bound to follow. Practice that accords with the true mind takes at most three incalculable kalpas, whereas actions that go against the true mind incur the weariness and agony of birth-and-death for incalculable kalpas upon incalculable kalpas. Thus, according with the true mind is not easy: at first there may be some distress, but after a short while one feels at ease, free, joyful, and liberated. Going against the true mind is even harder—the physical and mental suffering of it can never be fully told; it pierces the heart, and blood flows in rivers.