Grandmaster Wu Chueh Miao-Tien says that the Heart-Imprint Zen Dharma is the way of non-action. How should one practice the way of non-action (effortless action)?
Narration by: Grandmaster Wu Chueh Miao-Tien, the 85th-Generation Zen Grandmaster of the Zen School
The Heart-Imprint Zen Dharma is a method of non-action and is also a method of non-learning. Consequently, it cannot be learned with the human mind. If you try to learn the Heart-Imprint Zen Dharma using ordinary learning methods, you will not succeed, because what you learn is all emptiness. You can only grasp its emptiness and cannot perfectly turn the Dharma wheel.
How so? Because conventional learning methods are based on action-oriented scheme. Learning the Heart-Imprint Zen Dharma through action (involving five senses and consciousnesses) can only lead to understanding its superficial aspects, not its essence.
The Heart-Imprint Zen Dharma is also a supreme method for spiritual cultivation. Therefore, you must transcend your physiological and psychological barriers to practice with the ultimate true nature.
The Heart-Imprint Zen Dharma is also an immeasurable method. If you try to use your limited mind or consciousness to comprehend it, it is impossible to fully grasp.
So, how should one practice such a remarkable Heart-Imprint Zen Dharma? It should begin with the word “serenity.” You must achieve a state of desirelessness in order to be free from the root dust (distractions and attachments of the material world).
The true nature is the master, while root dust is the guest referring to the five senses and consciousness. Thus, you must not allow external dust to overshadow the master, nor allow the guest to take over the position of the master. You must not let the root dust replace the true nature. You should regard your true nature as supreme.
Therefore, you must be “serene.” If you can achieve serenity, you can be free from desire. In other words, if there is no need, there is no consciousness of “wanting it” or “wanting to obtain it.” If everything is satisfied, there is no space for root dust. Hence, we say, “serene and desireless, staying away from external dust.”
What is commonly referred to as practicing precepts is actually the practice of “serenity.” In other words, practicing serenity is practicing precepts. If you can achieve serenity, you will naturally uphold the precepts.
All of the above are important points for practicing the Heart-Imprint Zen Dharma. Only by achieving this state can the Buddhist and Zen teachings be applied to worldly matters. This signifies the marvelous turning of the Dharma wheel—whether in the earthly realm or beyond, there will be wondrous applications of your practices.
Translation: Chueh Miao Dao-Lian, Chueh Miao Gong-Ming
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