There is a field in everyone’s mind. Regardless of their past wrongdoings, many people are moved after encountering Tzu Chi or the Jing Si Aphorisms. This inspiration can awaken people. If they seize this moment of “awakening” and place that seed of awakening in the field of their minds, they are sowing seeds of goodness. 

We must work hard to cultivate the field in our minds. We are all owners of these fields; we have our land and seeds and can sow and plant the seeds by ourselves. There is no need to hire workers and pay salaries to others. The more we do, the more we gain. In this way, not only do we widely form good affinities, but we also accumulate more “interest” or blessings. 

It is rare to be born human, so we must seize the causes and conditions we have. A single seed produces countless more; in nurturing one, we benefit ourselves and others. Once we have attained a seed, we can form affinities with countless others. Such is the blessing of spreading the Dharma. We must spread the Dharma to benefit sentient beings.  We have heard the Buddha’s teachings, and what the Right Dharma  teaches is the “path of enlightenment.” 

To learn the Buddha Dharma is easy, but to practice the path of awakening is not. To seek enlightenment, we must act and walk the  Bodhisattva Path. Does this require time? It does. The distance we travel depends on the amount of time we have. The more we have,  the more diligently and steadfastly we progress with each step. Then, we can travel further and for a longer time, and we can shape the environment within our minds. When we properly care for the field of our minds and manage the field of blessings well, then as we sow seeds, the field will expand accordingly. 

We must earnestly plant “trees” in our minds. We are free to choose the type of tree we want. However, I suggest you choose the Bodhi tree of awakening. Deciding on the Bodhi tree means we hope to reap the fruits of awakening. Will the Bodhi tree thrive, flower yearly, and produce seeds continuously? It depends on ourselves. We may think,  “I engage in spiritual practice. I know this field is vast, and I can grow  Bodhi trees there. However, I am lazy and do not seize time.” If that is the case, then after the season passes with no seeds planted, the field of our minds will be covered in weeds. If we do not work hard but only seek gains, our lives will be full of worries. 

Upon hearing the Dharma, we must immediately work diligently. We must seize the season and cultivate the field of the mind. The type of tree that will grow depends on the kind of seed that we plant. Whatever season is appropriate for harvest, we will harvest in that season. My words may seem simple, but if everyone is mindful, you will find that they are profound. We must constantly cultivate seeds of Bodhi and maintain the orderliness of the field of our minds. What we do now will bring us joy and positive affinities with others. We accumulate causes and conditions. Whether we become awakened or remain deluded in our future lives depends on this field of our minds. This is why we must carefully choose the type of tree we plant. 

When you look at the Chinese characters for “learning” and  “awakening,” the bottom of the characters contain the characters of  “child” and “see,” respectively. We must “learn” to have the innocence of a “child’s” mind. Human nature is inherently good. We can teach children from a young age and direct them toward goodness so that they maintain a child-like innocence when they grow up. They can listen to my teachings and learn diligently. Between “learning” and  “awakening” lies the Bodhisattva Path. 

Looking back as we diligently walk on the Bodhisattva Path, we see that we have paved a broad and smooth road. This path is easy to walk on, with lush Bodhi trees lining both sides. This path provides shade and also delivers people. Not only do we enjoy the rich nourishment of the Dharma, but we can also lead others to the path. However, how do we lead others if we have not seen the path and do not know the direction? 

Those who are “awakened” have already “seen” the path. Those  who truly understand it, whose body and mind unite with the path,  are “awakened.” From “learning” to “awakening,” on one side is the innocent “child,” and on the other side is the awakened one who has already “seen” the path. 

We must work hard and learn diligently, with the innocence of a child,  in order to see and step onto the Bodhisattva Path. Here we can find all the principles of the world. Many beings are still in a state of ignorance and confusion. We must use the Bodhisattva Way to teach and guide them so they can see and practice the Bodhisattva Path. 

It is that simple! Between “learning” and “awakening” is the Bodhisattva  Path, which we must put into practice. It sounds simple, but in reality,  it is not easy. In this lifetime, we must not let a single thought deviate.  We must constantly practice the Bodhisattva Path. Ultimately, we will awaken to our intrinsic Tathagata nature. 

All of you are walking on the Bodhisattva Path. Please do so everlastingly without deviation, benefit people, and cultivate wisdom within yourself. May everyone be replete with blessings and wisdom.