How can anger be real when in an instant— “Poof”—it’s gone.

To no longer be attached 

is to be free of  

self-centered thoughts and expectations. 

Non-attachment falls between two extremes. At one end lies detachment, the state of being emotionally uninvolved. A detached person, therefore, is often perceived as aloof, as uncaring. Clearly, this state is not our goal. At the other end lies attachment, being emotionally entangled as we focus on a person, object, or idea. Not our goal either! 

Our objective is non-attachment, which lies purposefully and unselfishly in the middle. There is no emotional entanglement, but we still care. Very much so. And therefore we do our best in everything we undertake. But we do not get caught up in egoistic thoughts. Facing a task, we can ask “What is the best way to do this” rather than insist “I want to do it this way.” 

Having thus reined in our ego, we stop expecting a desired outcome. Then when things do not go our way, as it invariably happens, we will not fall prey to obstinacy and regrets. 

Finally, no longer attached or entangled, we will be free. 

Chapter 32: Infinite Lifespan and Joy (10)

“Outwardly, they appear at ease and composed. Inwardly, they vigorously forge ahead in progress.”

One may appear to be moving calmly and slowly, but actually be making progress. For example, we know from the Buddha that the bodhisattvas in the Pure Land move slowly and leisurely. They appear at ease as if nothing is happening. Their focused diligence does not show outwardly. Actually, they are working hard to make progress. It’s just not readily apparent that they are doing so, that the buddha-name in their mind is never interrupted. True diligence is inner progress, joyfully made, not an outward ritual.

From "Commentary on the Infinite Life Sutra" Volume 3

Pure Land Translation Team

When we jump to conclusions, we invariably land in the wrong place.