True cultivators of the Path all dwell in the inner world (2024-11-01)

Ven. Shi Ruyuan: I often have this situation: whether I am walking, standing, sitting, or lying down, or while brushing my teeth and washing my face, or reciting the Buddha's name and reciting mantras, I involuntarily want to close my eyes. With my eyes open, I feel so tired and strained that I cannot bear it, and I cannot control my body and mind. With my eyes closed, I see a bright white channel appearing before me, without any obstruction. Sometimes when I get up and am busy moving about, once I open my eyes I can no longer find the right direction, and I feel as if I am in a tiny space, as if blocked by illusory obstacles.

Assessment: This is due to deep meditative concentration (samādhi). The manas dwells in the inner mental world and is unwilling to engage in discerning the six sense objects. Therefore, when the six faculties contact the six sense objects, the six consciousnesses feel tired. The manas and the six consciousnesses have become accustomed to tranquility; dwelling in tranquility feels comfortable, so opening the eyes to see forms feels unfamiliar. When one has supernatural powers, closing the eyes does not hinder seeing forms. If the six consciousnesses are closed off for a long time, supernatural powers will appear, and open eyes may even obstruct seeing forms. When the six consciousnesses do not depend on the six sense objects, one feels tranquil and comfortable; using the six consciousnesses to discern the six sense objects feels burdensome. Having many affairs is not as good as having few, and having few is not as good as having none.

Worldly people, however, are extremely dependent on the six consciousnesses. If the six consciousnesses do not discern the six sense objects, they feel as if they would die of loneliness, unable to go on living. Dharma practitioners are completely the opposite of worldly people. If the two live together, it is like enemies dwelling in the same room—neither will have any peace. That is why some people, upon meeting me, are quite dissatisfied with my lifestyle. Even now, in order to adapt to worldly disciples, I have had to forcibly change some of my habits; I have been "converted" back somewhat by my disciples, yet people are still dissatisfied. It is better to interact less with those who are not fellow travelers on the Path.