Transforming the Global Crisis Through the Power of the Mind

The foremost purpose of Dharma practice is to give rise to bodhicitta—the awakened mind of compassion. Bodhicitta leads us to care for all sentient beings and to realize the bliss of awakening. As practitioners, we should seek to inspire everyone we encounter with the vitality of life, the force of wisdom, and the power to serve and dedicate themselves to the well-being of all beings.

Through Dharma learning and practice, we must understand the dynamics of “less” and “more.” “More” refers to abundance, while “less” signifies clarity or illumination. To cultivate “less” means to practice sitting meditation—reducing misconceptions as much as possible. When meditation reaches a state of complete emptiness, it becomes truly perfect. On the other hand, “more” refers to the growth of our bodhicitta, encouraging all beings to generate this aspiration. When such bodhicitta becomes widespread, the karmic forces shaping the Earth and humanity can be transformed into a power of harmony and stability.

At present, under the entanglement of collective karma, the world is gradually deteriorating. People are preoccupied with self-interest, and as a result, the entire world is drawn into karmic turmoil. If we can collectively cultivate love for the Earth, we will begin to cooperate, support one another, and share what is good while dispelling what is harmful.

This world needs the loving care and protection of all in order to sustain itself. If we destroy species on Earth, humanity too will face extinction. Therefore, we must transform our minds and thoughts to create a world that is harmonious and stable. In essence, this means bringing bodhicitta to one another.

The mind is the sovereign of all phenomena. When our minds return to their origin, a resonant, harmonious power arises. If our bodhicitta becomes disconnected from Chan, it loses its root. Chan is the face of spiritual presence; with such spiritual presence, our bodhicitta—which benefits both self and others—has a true source. This source has never ceased to flow; it continuously extends forward, generating wholesome causes and results for our future lives and ultimately leading to the actualization of buddha-field.

The buddha-field is a world of awakening. In such a state, nothing can disturb us. Once our minds are awakened, they are no longer affected by disturbances. If we consistently allow the mind to detach from deluded notions and conceptions, it will return to its origin—that is, to the world of Chan. This generates a powerful energy. Thus, we must use the power of the mind to transform the unrest and instability of this world and help it heal.