Dharma Talk by Venerable Yikong – “Ch’an and Environmental Protection of the Mind”

As a part of her 2014 Australasia tour, Fo Guang Shan Elder Venerable Yikong gave a Dharma Talk at Fo Guang Shan North Island on 15th June to an audience of 320.

This talk was titled “Ch’an and Environmental Protection of the Mind”. It’s contents includes excerpts from Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s work regarding 12 conditions that obstructs the mind, which were categorised as:
• Not opening the gate of the mind
• Not untangling the mind’s knots
• Not letting go of the mind’s burdens
• Not eliminating the mind’s illusory thoughts
• Not turning the mind’s worries into joy
• Darkened mind that is not illuminated
• Narrow mind that is not broad
• Unwholesome mind with no virtue
• The mind with wrong views
• The greedy mind that isn’t willing to give
• The deluded mind that is doubtful
• The mind is full

Venerable Yikong expressed that modern people tend to emphasis “cultivating the body” but neglects “cultivating the mind”, such as that people often go to beauty parlours but ignores beautification of the mind. By using verses from Ch’an Master Cha Ling Yu “I have a bright pearl, which is obscured by dusts of affliction. Today lights have shone forth from the disappearance of all dusts, clearly illuminating all mountains, rivers and flowers.” she encouraged everyone to constantly examine and protect their minds. It’s even more important to learn the way of the steady mind by adhering to the verses “No action, no discord between right and wrong, no attachment or avoidance, no annihilation or permanence, no ordinary or no saintly…” By understanding that if one’s mind is not petty and full of issues, we can become our own masters, have courage, determination and charm. This will result in the ability to let go of burdens and take up responsibilities at ease.

Then the Venerable talked about Venerable Master Wuji’s prescriptions for the mind, which reads: “…one piece of good heart, one piece of compassionate heart, two ounces of gentleness, 3 helpings of reason, trustworthiness is important, one piece of righteousness, 10 shares of filial piety and one measure of honesty. If the above prescriptions can be followed, there will be countless conveniences created.” The verses also includes: “These prescribed ingredients must be cooked in the pot of our mind, do not burn and overcook, remove 3 levels of heat, grind it all up within the bowl of equality and finish off by always think twice before any action. 6 Paramita should be rolled into medicinal pellets as big as the seed of Bodhi, which should be consumed 3 times per day. Regardless of what time, this should be washed down with a soup of friendly attitude.” Then Venerable Yikong continued with teachings on the wondrous functions of “Turning”, such as:
• Turning small into big
• Turning greed into generosity　
• Turning anger into compassion
• Turning ignorance into wisdom
• Turning private possession to public sharing
• Turning self-centredness into caring for others
• Turning delusions into awakening

Finally, the Venerable concluded the talk by wishing everyone enjoys a happy and healthy life.

Throughout the talk, Venerable Yikong’s delivery was full of humour and eloquence. She used Buddhism stories, historical records of case studies, her own experiences and practical examples of people’s lives to share her exposition to the listeners. The audiences responded positively by describing the Venerable’s talk as being fresh, lively and witty. This has allowed them to deeply experience the charm and wisdom of Buddhism.