A Letter to Enkindle the Heart
English translation by Robert
參考：中文原文，余講師文惠書寫
We live in an extraordinary time period, when all aspects of human civilization have reached unprecedented levels of growth and prosperity. From exploiting the earth’s natural resources, to the exploration of the universe, to scientific and technological developments, all aspects of humanity have been impacted, not only in terms of external living conditions, but also our inner mental and psychological well-being. At the same time, these conditions inspire those who are interested in solving worldly problems and seeking the Truth to work even harder to explore and ponder the future direction of mankind and the value and significance of human existence.
Alas, at the beginning of 2020, the coronavirus outbreak has triggered a worldwide pandemic. A pessimistic viewpoint will no doubt spark even more anxiety about the future of the world, making those without a strong mindset to panic all day long, as if the end of the world is coming.
In truth, a moment of crisis is also a moment of opportunity, and despair is often another chance to ignite again. Because the most valuable aspect of a human is our spiritual Being, and that being alive is a beautiful thing. As long as we understand the essence of life is in the spiritual realm rather than in the material, we will have the opportunity to understand, to let go, and to make a breakthrough.
Moreover, in this unprecedented environment, there has been a glimmer of shining light for the past millennium. Since the time of the Sixth Patriarch, civilians were blessed to hear of the True Dharma and learned the essence of the Truth. Through the passing of Patriarchs generation after generation, the affinity for all beings to be guided to the Light has persisted through the ages.
Finally, in this time period when the conditions are ripe, the path that has been laid down more than a hundred years ago is here now for people who wish to cultivate — to return to their True nature, to realize that it is within us all. As long we realize the Truth within oneself, the beacon of spiritual practice can begin to unfold.
At this juncture in the rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is appropriate that we as cultivators discuss the causes and conditions.
It is my humble belief that God has shown His mercy and is giving everyone an excellent opportunity for self-reflection at this time. Why? Before the pandemic, everyone was ready for the new year, dreaming about how to develop even better products for consumers, all for the pursuit of personal fame and gain. How many people have thought about slowing down our pace, setting aside impetuous hearts, and think about where we, humanity as a whole, are headed? Even the cultivators are caught in the wind of the worldly trends, inevitably getting lost, hesitant, confused, and not knowing the right way to choose, nor how important it is to “let go of the ego”.
Heaven is longing for us to change our mindsets and stubborn habits. If it were not for the occurrence of major events, what else can force people to self-isolate and stay at home all day? Otherwise, most people will continue to live as before, indulge in worldly pleasures, chase fame and fortune, or pursue achievement and success through any means necessary.
Today, because of various stay-at-home orders, we have more time to interact with our close family members, increasing our chances to perceive the underlying causes of family problems, to see the inconvenience and needs of the elderly, and to understand what our children are thinking in their minds.
From a social point of view, many things that we once took for granted are now seemingly turned on its head. It is as though we lost our personal freedom, given in to the inconveniences imposed by the government orders, be extra careful everywhere we go, and can never have an over-”abundance of caution.” We may indeed feel like we have lost grasp of our old selves.
Whereas in fact, better hygiene habits, more care and consideration for others, respect for other people, not blindly doing things for selfish reasons, but rather learning to be more tolerant, giving more effort, providing more care — these are the qualities that all of us should have.
It is entirely possible that in this crisis, we may lose someone close to us, someone we respect — a loved one, a family member, or close friend. Perhaps we will regret that we did not take good care of them and cherish the time we had with them. At such a critical moment between life and death, can we finally begin to see just how much we have neglected the more meaningful things in life as we continue to pursue personal fame and success?
In this time period when the world needs to face the pandemic together, when people are fighting for their lives, everyone is in the same boat. Thus, our love and care should go beyond personal family, society, and even country. We are all beings of the same planet earth, we live among each other as one group of people, and thus we need to be more considerate of and cherish each other.
While this epidemic is spreading across the United States, we need to be vigilant in maintaining right thinking, foster a sense of goodwill, care for ourselves, care for others, and send love wherever it is needed. Love knows no boundaries and has no equal.
Let us not only get through this apparent emotional turmoil and inconveniences in life, but further make good use of this period at home to strive to “cultivate our pure heart on the inside, perform the bodhisattva way on the outside.” This time period is like a momentary retreat for Dao practitioners, as we strive to elevate our state of mind. When the pandemic is over, we shall be ready to spread our wings.
When that time comes, we can fully utilize our realizations in our daily life and in our interpersonal relationships. In this way we will not let this special affinity of heaven’s guidance go to waste.
As the current pandemic unfolds, disasters strike everywhere. How many people are at a loss, not knowing how to react? Whereas the heart of a true cultivator can transcend all of this to pursue the true beauty in life and the truly inspiring Meaning of Life. It is hoped that all fellow cultivators can encourage each other this way for the benefit of all and for the future of the world!
Don’t forget that in such a difficult situation, we need to nurture patience, show warmth, and let go of all the things we could not let go. Work harder to learn and understand what “respecting all life” really means. Learn to respect individual choices; even if those choices seem to be unreasonable or too stubborn, we still have to maintain a clear mindset, use caring words and deeds, to guide and inspire them to make more appropriate and better choices or decisions.
Even during this difficult period, our daily life should go on as usual, with calmness, with confidence, and without panic. Don’t pass on our anxieties to those who can’t take too much battering or weather the storms. Everyone’s realization has its timing. We only need to give our best effort to help. We do not seek any return nor expect any praise. We do not seek to show off ourselves. We only hope that each person can, by going through the current situation, understand the causes of this epidemic and the meaning of Heaven, and thus be willing to act with gratefulness, learn with humility, share selflessly, and give without seeking reward. Everything is done with the understanding of the “Threefold Wheel of Essential Emptiness”, so that everything reverts to the Will of Heaven. Let this pandemic allow the Grace of Heaven to reveal itself, to show that it has always existed and will continue endlessly. Wish the wisdom of humankind will prolong, and the light of our Hearts be lit forever.
Of course, in this crisis, through news reports, we have seen many selfless first-line medical teams, exhausting all of their efforts, risking their own safety to try to rescue patients. We are deeply moved and admire them in our hearts. We pray and wish them all peace.
參考：中文原文，余講師文惠書寫
