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. There are countless resources to help people begin their journeys of self-discovery and healing. At times, I turn to the teachings of the buddhas for deeper understanding.

I recently came across a fascinating scripture by TianRen Ancient Buddha (天然古佛) in a chapter of The Chronicles of Heavenly Buddha Monastery (天佛院遊記, Chapter 18). This scripture presents the key practices of meditation in a unique way, and its message resonates deeply with me.

Here is a video to read along. This video will be published in two days.

The saints of the five great religions, and the wise teachers through the ages, have guided others with deep compassion. With patient and sincere words, they have helped people find the path of awakening, leave behind confusion, and return to truth and clarity. But no one can truly understand Tao without first understanding their own mind. That is why those who follow Tao must begin by refining the mind.

Yet it is hardest to refine the mind before any thought has risen, because the mind cannot yet be seen. Once a thought appears, however, it becomes easier to notice and work with. For example, a restless mind, a mind filled with false thoughts, or a mind crowded with distractions—these are all signs that the mind is no longer still. If you wish to make the mind quiet and steady, you must guard it, keep it calm, and gently bring it back—so it is not carried away by the world around you.

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。

To guard the mind is to hold it steady before any thought begins—to keep it still before a thought starts to stir. To calm the mind is to settle it once it has begun to move. To gather the mind is to gently bring it back when it has already wandered away. This is not easy. You must first notice the moment a thought starts to rise, and bring it back right away. The sooner you return it, the stronger your ability to guard the mind becomes, and the deeper your calm will grow. These are the faithful and lasting ways to refine the mind. Above all, this mind—whether in motion or at rest—can remain true to the way of the Tao and stay in harmony with the order of nature.

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 what resonates with me:

The process of improving our character or restoring the clarity and purity of our mind is like a blacksmith smelting gold or a jeweler sculpting jade. No matter the craft, the artisan needs something to work on or work with. But the mind is not something tangible. That makes it difficult to shape, since we can’t hold it in our hands or mold it like metal or stone. The only way to make the mind “tangible” is by observing its behavior—its patterns and tendencies. That becomes our craft as cultivators.

As the scripture suggests, we must watch the mind even when no strong thoughts or emotions are present. My mistake is that I often don’t pay attention during those quiet moments. So when a thought arises without my awareness, the next thing I know, I’m swept away by the stream of consciousness, caught in all kinds of mental stories. The key, then, is to catch the mind before a thought has the chance to emerge and run wild.

When a thought first arises, that is the easiest time to work with it. At that point, it hasn’t fully taken root in the mind—meaning it hasn’t yet gained strength or attached itself to emotion or ego. This reminds me of a saying I once heard from a lecturer:

涓涓不塞，將為江河；熒熒不救，炎炎奈何。

Even a small trickle of water, if left alone, can break through and become a mighty river. Even the tiniest spark, if not put out in time, can grow into a great fire that no one can stop.

So before a thought takes root, it is easiest to work with. But once it settles in and gathers energy, much more effort is needed to redirect or uproot it.

That said, here’s something I’ve been reflecting on: it often feels like we’re always working on the parts of ourselves that need fixing. Maybe that’s why some people believe we’re born bad and need guidance to become good. But that view can leave us feeling constantly deficient.

What we often overlook is the importance of watching our true nature. When we pay attention before any thoughts arise, we are connecting with that deeper awareness. This is our true nature—the part of us that sees clearly and calmly. So when a thought does appear, our true nature notices it right away. That’s why it becomes easier to work with the mind at that early stage.

Now, when I notice a thought arise, I tell myself, “Good—my awareness is present,” or “Good—my wisdom is at work.” When we begin to recognize and encourage the positive effects of our practice, the mind becomes more likely to return to that path again and again.