Starting Spiritual Practice
How can the ten qualities of mind I discuss be applied in life?
English translation draft · Based on the Chinese article. This is not a word-for-word translation approved by Master Shengyuan.
Use them as daily reminders in conduct rather than merely memorising names. Understand how compassion and virtue work, and observe where a teacher or faith is guiding people.
Great compassion means noticing suffering, willingly understanding and wishing relief, and wanting others happy as well as ourselves. Equality means not deciding assistance solely by appearance or status. Non-contrivance means naturally caring without displaying goodness or calculating a return.
Non-attachment maintains direction amid outside people and circumstances. Another temple’s size or income need not awaken greed to rake in money. Contemplating emptiness recognises conditions and change: cherished things may not remain, so reduced attachment can accompany greater appreciation now.
Reverence respects beings. Being a teacher does not permit humiliating students. Humble learning recognises remaining ignorance. Knowing divination does not mean knowing everything; computer experts and other specialists still have much to teach us.
An undistracted mind concentrates on the current task. Recite properly rather than let thoughts wander elsewhere. A mind free of grasping does not actively crave others’ possessions or offerings. Voluntary gifts differ in attitude from specifying demands or requiring flattery.
Supreme bodhicitta wishes improvement for all beings, not only oneself. If all these are hard to remember, begin with great compassion, holding great love and aspirations within and gradually learning through manageable actions.