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Heng Sure
March 17, 1978
"Recycle the Mind"
"People age, but youth and age are basically identical. In both youth and age you are still the same person. Having been in the world for a time, you feel old, but your mind is always young. So don't retire and say, 'I'm old;' say instead, 'I am young!' if your heart is young, age cannot affect you, and will run away. Buddhism teaches that 'everything is made from the mind alone.'" -- Master Hua, June 1971 Vajra Bodhi sea # 15
Old people are a natural resource. Ecology minded citizens can recycle a priceless treasure of talent, energy and wisdom if we heed the master's advice. The secret to reclaiming an ocean of vital energy overlooked and wasted at present: cultivate the mind, diligently cultivate precepts, concentration and wisdom. Wipe away greed, anger, and stupidity!
The Avatamsaka discriminates youth and age only by praising respect towards one's elders. In Buddhism, human lifespan is a view of the impermanent physical body. The mind creates all the different bodies. Following our karma we turn and flow in an endless cycle of birth, old age, sickness and death.
"Living beings' bodies are all different. They come from adherence to the distinctions In thoughts. So too are the many Kinds of Buddha lands; none do not come From karma." -- Avatamsaka Sutra Flower store world Chapter
To retire mature, experienced minds at age 65 is a great waste. To abandon one's elders and grandparents as their bodies decay is bad karma. The mind endures, returns, and does not forget.
"People of long life are the world's most honorable citizens. This is not to say that they honor themselves, bit that they receive the respect of others.... Don't be satisfied with growing old; As you grow older you grow, the stronger You become. How does one from stronger? By benefiting the world, do what- Ever work you can for the common good Of all people." -- Master Hua Vajra Bodhi Sea #15
Heng Ch'au
Friday
March 17,1978
Coincidence? We have entered new territory and geography: rolling foothills that rise abruptly into the famous, rugged Big Sur coastline. Suddenly unusual people appear. This has been the case throughout the trip whenever we set foot into a new area.
Last night was the "flowered lady." Today a woman riding a bicycle and warning a long flowing dress pedaled up, as if on Sunday ride through the park at the turn of the century. Everything about her was from another time, long ago.
"You're from Gold Mountain?" she asked.
"Yes," I answered.
"Ah, such discipline. It's quite something to see. It makes a strong impression. I'd like to make an offering" she says handing us some fresh fruit form a small wicker basket.
Then she rode away. This is remote country-no towns or houses-and yet here was this elegant woman in ankle-length gown gliding through in a bike. How did she know of cold Mt.?
"Take Heed"
Every mistake is a big lesson, and thinking I've learned something is a big mistake. As the master put it,
"As soon as you think you've got something, You're ripe for a fall."
The Spring Mountains are pure and clean because they endured the bitter winter. The mind of a cultivator is cool and clear because he endured bitter practice.
I find myself returning to the heart of Prajna Paramita sutra and the? Gatha commentary by Master Hua to guide my cultivation. The "Heart Sutra" is among the shortest of sutras (it can be recited entirely in one minute), yet is an inexhaustible well if the right-on instruction on how to walk he path. Small though it is, it fills some up every time. It is a jewel among jewels,
"All Buddhas on the three periods of time attain Annutara-SamyakSambodhi* through reliance on Prajna Paramita." -- Lines from the "Heart Sutra"
*(Annutara-samyaksambodi is Sanskrit for the highest state of enlightenment).
In the stand less Gatha, the Master writes that by cultivating this wisdom one becomes,
"Capable of the world truth, you personally enjoy its use. Those who know easily enlighten To the dark and difficult path. Virtue nowhere not complete, All impediments perish."
I find myself turning to it where the road gets "dark and difficult." It has a way of melting all obstacles, inside and out.
"Sticking To It"
The Hyatts brought out maps, water, food and detailed information on the roads ahead.
"We like to see things through to completion," they said.
"So do we," I answered.
"The Bodhisattva Mahasattva is not startled or alarmed. He does not re- treat and he is unafraid. He has no fatigue. And why?.....:"
Why? What keeps a bodhisattva eternally high and bright, totally unafraid? Why does he never roll over and belly-up in the face of obstacles and incredible odds?
"...Because as he has vowed, he really wants to do it; to take responsibility for all living beings and cause them to be liberated." -- Avatamsaka sutra "Ten Transferences Chapter"