In the past, like many others, I was deeply trapped in ignorance. I couldn’t understand the seemingly “emotionless” attitude of Buddhist Practitioner, and I often harbored the same doubts myself. Whenever I observed how practitioners dealt with the world, my heart was filled with confusion, as if I were lost in a thick fog, unable to discern the true meaning of spiritual practice.
Our kind mentor often said, “Rely on wisdom, not on emotions.” Practitioners operate with wisdom, while ordinary beings are swayed by emotional delusions. Back then, though I heard these teachings, they were like flowers seen through a mist—beautiful but unclear, their deeper meaning eluding me. Fortunately, thanks to my mentor’s compassion, he tirelessly explained them to me over and over again, using numerous examples to guide me. Now, I’ve finally gained some insight: the notions of “having emotions” or “being emotionless” are hard to apply to practitioners. People in the world see emotional attachment and loyalty as beautiful, unaware that these are burdens of the mundane world and the source of suffering.
Thanks to my mentor’s compassionate guidance, I’ve gradually come to understand that Buddhist Practitioner do not cling to the illusory realm. They view mountains, rivers, the earth, men and women, young and old, as fleeting illusions—like dreams or manifestations of karma—lacking true, eternal reality. Naturally, then, there’s no question of attachment or detachment. Practitioners don’t approach sentient beings with emotional attachment, yet this doesn’t contradict their original intent of great compassion to save and liberate all beings. With boundless patience and extraordinary wisdom, He shares the supreme and wondrous Dharma with sentient beings, resolving their doubts. From this, I’ve realized that practitioners let go of themselves entirely for the sake of benefiting others. They dread seeing sentient beings suffer, which is why they refrain from using emotions. Living freely and unburdened, they can resonate with sentient beings in the same environment and karmic conditions. However, if sentient beings become entangled in emotions, they will inevitably suffer. Out of compassion, practitioners cannot bear this, so they use the Dharma to nurture the ignorant, hoping all may fully awaken from this illusory dream.
Today, my ability to slowly step out of past ignorance is entirely due to his unwavering guidance. I deeply understand that the path of practice is long, and without his leading the way, I would likely lose my direction. My gratitude is boundless. My mentor’s wisdom is like the sun hanging high in the sky, illuminating every dark corner of my spiritual journey. His virtue is like the vast earth, bearing the weight of all my confusion and ignorance from my naive days. Every teaching is a wondrous sound that awakens my dull mind; every piece of guidance is a key that unlocks the door to wisdom. I vow to spend the rest of my life by his side, listening to more of the true essence of the Dharma, and I hope to pass on his compassion and wisdom to others still wandering in ignorance. May all sentient beings break free from the shackles of affliction, sever the vines of ignorance, and no longer be deceived by false appearances. May they swiftly unlock the treasure of wisdom, applying it to every aspect of life, so we may all share in the supreme joy of the Dharma and together realize the radiant perfection of enlightenment.