The Mind Like Clear and Placid Water

All methods of practice as taught by the Buddha focus on the mind; when we practice we are also learning how to discipline our minds.

A well-composed mind resembles clear and placid water that truthfully reflects whatever appears above it. Likewise, when our minds attain absolute tranquility, we will be able to grasp the essence of everything.

The purpose of reciting the name of the Buddha is to help still our minds so that they may be as pure and tranquil as placid water. A restless and scattered mind resembles muddy water from which evil and discriminatory ideas easily arise.

When our minds are in such a state, we are prone to make distinctions of what we see, hear, smell, taste, touch, and think, thereby, indulge in the pursuit of sensual passions. Therefore, we must recite the name of the Buddha to the extent that our minds become absolutely clear and pure, neither defiled by nor attached to sense objects.

When we reach that stage, naturally we will not cling to the five skandhas (form, sensation, perception, volition, and consciousness). With our six organs untainted by the six causes of impurity, we can truly realize the emptiness of the five skandhas [and] thus be free of all vexations.

Then we can naturally help to relieve all sentient beings from their misery. And with the essence of our minds enlightened and our wisdom unfolded, we can easily comprehend even the most abtruse buddhadharma.

~ Analects of Master Kuang-ch'in