Aphorisms

The Master Is Your Own
Original Nature


By Supreme Master Ching Hai (Originally in English)

  • If we meditate more and more, finally we know that we don't need anything. Everyday is a miracle for us, and we're happier and more loving everyday. That is the best gift from God.

  • In this world, apart from our spiritual practice, there is no other place or power that we can rely on. Violent martial arts and nuclear bombs can only destroy people, not win them over.

  • When you observe any goodness in yourself, develop it. When you observe any bad points in yourself, rectify them. Look at the positive aspects. It is not enough to just rely on meditation alone.

  • It is insufficient to just listen to Master's teachings; you have to put them into practice after hearing them. Learn how to distinguish between good and evil, true and false; and use Master's teachings in your life. Otherwise, you will be influenced by your ego, your desire for profit and fame, or the society outside; you won't be able to even control yourself. Once we get used to these kinds of behaviors, it is too late to change.

  • Impartiality is, if something is good, then say it is good; if something is bad, then say it is bad. Argumentatively saying that some bad thing is good, or forcibly turning all things into the same, equal value, is discrimination.

  • The Master is your own original nature, not the physical body of another person. Your practice is not good enough, so you don't understand; you think that Master is another person, or that Master scolds you because She is angry. Not so! It is you scolding yourself; it is your karma emerging, and you cleansing yourself. Therefore, everything is created by the mind!