“Without understanding of the original mind, it is futile to study the Dharma.” Hence, the Buddhist practice does not merely consist of the recitation of the Sutras (scriptures), or making prostrations to the Buddha. The true merit of practicing the Way comes from the awareness of our own mind and the discernment of our self nature. Yet if one has already attained understanding of the original mind, one should not neglect the practice of virtuous acts either.

“Four Tenets of Chung Tai”
To our elders be respectful. To our juniors be kind.
With all humanity be harmonious. In all endeavors be true.

“With a mind at peace, the thatched hut is safe. With a serene nature, the vegetable roots are fragrant.”
If you can harness your ever-clinging mind, and calmly abide in your original mind and nature, your mind will naturally be peaceful and serene.

“The bodhisattvas dread the cause. Mundane beings dread the retribution. “We should be true and down to earth in all our undertakings. Ask only how much we cultivate, not how much we shall harvest. Work diligently on the right causes, and then you will surely succeed. Conversely, success is unlikely if you aim too high but overlook the groundwork.

We should pursue a spiritual life. A mind of contentment and tranquility is the true blessing, prosperity, and happiness in life.

The principle of Causality (cause and effect) in Buddhism actually teaches us to depend on our own diligent efforts. If we understand our life then we can direct our life.
If you can perceive these truths clearly, then you can understand your fate and create/establish your fate.

The problems in the world are no other than suffering and joy. Suffering and joy are opposed and relative.
Joy from stimulation of the senses is like clouds or smoke passing before our eyes; it is short-lived and empty. After experiencing joy, unending attachments and vexations follow. Only when we pacify the mind, when the mind is pure and serene, do we experience true joy.

In Buddhism we say, “Vexation is Bodhi (enlightenment).” This means that when we encounter afflictions (distressful circumstances), we must use wisdom to perceive and understand them clearly, turning the afflictive outlook into joy, freedom and tranquility. “Vexation” and “joy” are in reality within one single thought.

“A dharma does not arise by itself; it is born out of the right conditions.” All worldly phenomena arise from the combination of causes and conditions. Virtuous causes and conditions result in good retribution. Malevolent causes and conditions lead to dire retribution.

“Enlighten the mind and see the true nature; seeing the true nature one becomes a Buddha.” This is equivalent to “Amitabha Buddha” of the Pure Land School, which means infinite light and life. Realizing this present-mind, one enjoys the same longevity as that of empty space. The empty space never perishes; neither will this mind, which is replete with infinite life, light and wisdom.

Buddhism teaches us to transform our thoughts constantly, reflect on the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha. Use good thoughts to counteract bad thoughts. When all bad thoughts are extinguished, one then lets go of even good thoughts, thereby arriving at “no thoughts” and to the realm of absolute reality.

Purity of mind is to be away from the mind of delusion. The Diamond Sutra says, “The mind moves freely without attachment.” That is the mind of purity.

With respect, we eradicate arrogance. With compassion, we extinguish anger. With harmony, we eliminate violence. With truth and sincerity, we eradicate deceit.

To be liberated is not escaping reality. It is eliminating vexations, eradicating erroneous thoughts, and opening the knot in our minds. When the mind is opened to true understanding; that is liberation. To face sufferings without worry, and happiness without rejoicing, this present-mind is a liberated mind; it is already in the Pure Land.

Prosperity and adversity both facilitate our cultivation. They are expedient means.
Prosperity fulfills us. Adversity disciplines us.

What is attachment? Not letting go of outward circumstances, of gain and loss, of right and wrong, of self and others, this is attachment.

The Platform Sutra of Hui Neng says, “Let not a single thought arise.” Let this present mind think neither of good nor of evil, so it is like a clear mirror, whose merit lies in reflecting myriad things faithfully.
When the object is gone, nothing remains. When we realize this fact, our mind is clear and luminous; no matter where we go, we can be at ease and free.

The riches and honor in life are fleeting, like the dew on the flower, evaporating when the sun rises. Only when the mind becomes truly pure and content, it is the true prosperity in life.

Tolerance is an expedient means in cultivating Samadhi. If we are tolerant and patient we will surely achieve Samadhi.

The bad things that we face may not necessarily be bad; If we face all things calmly, we can control our fate.

Praise others frequently and slander no one. When our speech is pure and faultless, then we achieve freedom in verbal karma (e.g., abilities in speech and debate, free from verbal handicaps.)

If we care for others with a mind of compassion, equality and respect, we will generate good karma with everyone.

“When the mind is pure, the Buddha Land is pure.” When this mind is lucid and pure, everywhere is the Pure Land.

By using respect to overcome pride, we can eliminate karmic obstacles, and increase our merits and wisdom.

Compassion is the remedy that dispels anger. If your mind is all-embracing and compassionate then all people will enjoy being with you.

Be humble and harmonious in all circumstances; this can eliminate violence and conflicts. Be congenial and pleasant with others, and you will achieve harmony and accomplish all things.

If we are truthful and sincere with others, we can maintain true friendships. If we are truthful in our endeavors, we can accomplish all things.

If you cannot assume responsibility for your own cultivation or endure its trials and hardships then you are at best studying Buddhism, not practicing it.

People have vexations because they are not capable of being content. If we always harbor a “grateful mind,” dealing with people and things around us with a mind of gratitude, we will always feel happy and content.

When you succeed, do not be conceited. When you fail, review and reflect. Working this way you will accomplish your goals.

Blessings are the accumulated result of good deeds. Broadly cultivate blessings and wisdom and we can enjoy a bright and meaningful life.

When we clearly see through the gains and losses in this world, our mind will be peaceful and serene.

Buddhism is a practical knowledge. Whether we put in a ten percent effort or a hundred percent effort, we will reap what we deserve.

To affirm the truth of causality, work hard on the cause, and life will be filled with hope and light.

To attain true happiness, we must begin by transforming the mind’s vexations.

To be liberated is not to escape from difficulties; it is to use the power of wisdom and Samadhi to eliminate the obstacles present. That is liberation.

Cultivation is done in everyday life. Using a mind of compassion and equality to live and work, we cultivate virtue and accumulate blessing.

“When dharmas arise, the mind arises.” The mind and the outside world give rise to and condition each other. Through prajna wisdom, we will realize that these are all delusions, that all external phenomena are delusive and have no true substance.

A pure mind is the greatest blessing. Listening to the Dharma, making the right resolve, every thought is of infinite merit.

The one key word in practicing the Way is tolerance—to endure patiently and accept suffering. By accepting suffering, we eliminate suffering. This eradicates karmic hindrances, and prepares us for supreme enlightenment.

When you see something good, do not crave for it; when you see something bad, do not be troubled by it. If you do not fall into duality, you will be at ease and free.

Do not be happy when others praise us; do not be annoyed when others blame us; having no notions of self, others, sentient beings, and lifespan, one will soon realize the Way.

Causality is a true law. Broadly cultivating virtue and blessings, we will easily accomplish what we desire.

When we understand, “giving others what is good, taking responsibility for what is bad,” then we will face life with the correct attitude.

No matter how external circumstances change, when we can see through and let go of vexations, delusions and attachments, and have clarity and true understanding, with the mind always in equanimity and suchness, that is Zen.

Having good thoughts is heaven. When the mind is lucid and pure, this is the Pure Land.

Cultivating the Way is to purify, to rectify, and to transform our thoughts.

Vegetarianism is the sign of a compassionate mind. When we are filled with compassion, blessings and merits increase and good health will come naturally.

The thoughts of our mind determine whether we are virtuous or vile, loyal or treacherous, upright or wicked, and an ordinary being or a saint.

When the mind is peaceful and serene, even with low-grade tea and plain food, our lives will be happy and care-free.

Achieving a mind of no delusions and no scattered thoughts, immediately you are a bodhisattva.