PRACTISE UNMOVING SUCHNESS; REMAIN UNMOVED IN ANY GIVEN SITUATION OR WE WILL BE HURT

Wenda20180603A 11:27
(Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)

PRACTISE UNMOVING SUCHNESS; REMAIN UNMOVED IN ANY GIVEN SITUATION OR WE WILL BE HURT

Caller: Recently while reading Buddhism in Plain Terms, I came across a paragraph in which Master said, “In Buddhism studies, one’s mind should have ‘a flagpole that never topples.’ Typically, a person's emotions are affected, and vexations arise after meeting with a small issue — this represents the toppling of that flagpole.”

Master Jun Hong Lu: Yes, indeed.

Caller: Hence, learning Buddhism is not easy.

Master Jun Hong Lu: What does this ‘flagpole of your mind’ represent and what does it mean if it topples? It is a depiction of ‘remaining unmoved regardless of conditions’. When you are under the influence of the five desires and six dust of the world, you are emotionally affected; your mind falters, the wind shifts, the banner moves and your soul wavers. If you can remain unmoved regardless of any conditions, you will have the firmness of mind. When a situation calls for something, you act unequivocally — accord with conditions and do what is right. You should not cause harm to yourself. Many hurt themselves precisely because their mind is perturbed; otherwise, they will not be harmed.

Caller: That is right. Thank you, Master Lu.

Translated by Oriental Radio Practice Centre (Singapore)
Proofread by 2OR Secretariat