Ways to Refine the Mind 煉心

A waterfowl gliding on the still lake, like a thought passing in the mind. Photo by Storiès on Unsplash

Meditation is becoming very popular in Western countries. Many books and articles talk about being mindful and finding peace within ourselves. So many resources are out there to help people start their journeys to learn more about who they are and heal. Sometimes, I look to the teachings of the buddhas for more understanding.

I found a really interesting scripture by TianRen Ancient Buddha (天然古佛) in a chapter of The Chronicles of Heavenly Buddha Monastery (天佛院遊記, 第十八回). This scripture explains the key practices in meditation in a different way, and it resonates deeply with me.

Over time, saints and grandmasters from the five major religions have shared their deep wisdom to help and inspire others. They aim to make life better and wake people up to what truly matters. They also encourage everyone to look past things that are not real. However, people cannot fully understand Tao unless they know their own minds. This is why those practicing Tao must first work on refining their minds.

Now, refining the mind can be hard, especially when you can't touch or hold onto anything. But when your mind focuses on something meaningful, it is a lot easier to work on your mind. For example, when your mind starts to wander or gets lost in stories and things that distract you, it is an activity of an unrefined mind. To cultivate stillness, you must protect your mind, calm it down, and bring it back to balance.

To guard your mind, pay close attention to it, even if you do not have any thoughts or feelings at the moment. If you feel something pops up, settle it right away. If your mind gets caught up in something, gently bring your focus back to your inner balance. This can be hard, and it might come back again and again, but understanding where the thought or feeling comes from can help you calm it down over time. The faster you refocus, the better you can protect your mind, and that leads to deeper inner peace. This practice is a gentle way to refine the mind. Whether your mind is still or busy, the final goal is to have your mind in harmony with Tao.

夫五教聖人，代代祖師，婆心度世，苦口化人，意欲使人人同歸覺路，令皆共出迷津。蓋人如不能知心，即不知「道」。故修道者，必自煉心始也。然煉於未發難知，煉於既發易為。如遊心、妄心、諸雜念心，皆既發之心也。而欲使之寂然不動，殆必守其心，定其心，收其心。

夫守心之訣，在守其未動時。定心之訣，在定其心動時。收心之訣，在收其已動時。收之不易，先要察其機而隨起隨收，收之愈疾，守之愈堅，定之愈固，此乃修心之妙訣也。要者，使此心動靜合道。

Here is the video of the scripture.