Chapter 32: Infinite Lifespan and Joy (11)

“Their minds encompass boundless space and naturally accord with the Middle Way.”

This is about the capacity of the mind. The mind should be as broad as boundless space and able to embrace all within it. In the Amitabha Sutra, we read that the Western Pure Land is a place where beings of superior goodness gather. The bodhisattvas are called beings of superior goodness because of their ability to coexist harmoniously with each other. That is, this phrase means that they have practiced the six harmonies to a level of perfection. It is like the boundless space accepting all things naturally.

In a similar way, the bodhisattvas naturally accept and coexist harmoniously with all beings. There is no thought that they need to do so. We would be wise to consider this. When we have disputes and problems with others, we can remember that the minds of the bodhisattvas in the Pure Land “encompass boundless space.” 

The bodhisattvas’ minds also “naturally accord with the Middle Way.” The Middle Way attaches to neither emptiness nor existence. As is said in the Diamond Sutra, “A mind that does not attach to anything will give rise to a true mind.” Not attaching to anything and giving rise to a true mind are one. This is the Middle Way. We ordinary beings think every phenomenon is real, so we are stubbornly attached to existence. This results in the six paths. Arhats and pratyekabuddhas are attached to emptiness, to the emptiness of the noumenon. The bodhisattvas in the Pure Land naturally accord with the Middle Way and attach to nothing. Attaching to nothing, they give rise to the bodhi mind. When beings request help, the bodhisattvas respond. They accomplish all this naturally.

From "Commentary on the Infinite Life Sutra" Volume 3

Pure Land Translation Team

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