Change the Setting, Change the State of Mind

📖Master’s Reading

When the mind is trapped or grieving, we need to change our perspective. Why not transform the mind? In truth, transforming the mind is to change the setting, changing your mood by viewing a different scene. In Vajrayāna this is called "transference of consciousness" — using the outer things of the cosmos to transform our inner thinking.

We are often held hostage by the affliction before us; when we cannot set down clinging on our own, change the setting. You can recover strength by drawing near nature: "viewing mountains rouses ambition" — facing a majestic peak and feeling the spirit of "ascend Mount Tai and the world grows small," the heart's momentum grows; "viewing the sea forgets sorrow" — the sea embraces all, and watching it the heart opens wide and sorrow is naturally forgotten. This is transforming the mind through things, transferring the clinging, afflicted mind into open sky and earth.

Besides drawing near mountains and waters, you can also visit a Buddhist temple. See the solemnity of the buddha-images, and your heart grows solemn too; see the rich colors of a Vajrayāna maṇḍala, and the heart fills with color too, and the worldly affliction is cast behind you. This is the great wisdom of "transference of consciousness."

When deep in a deadlock and powerless to break free, actively step out. When the scene before you changes, the state of mind changes too — this is an excellent method of self-deliverance.

🌱Reflection for Daily Life

• When you cannot let go, change the setting.
• Understand that transforming the mind is changing the setting and perspective.
• Learn Vajrayāna's transference of consciousness, transforming thought through outer things.
• View mountains for ambition, the sea to forget sorrow — draw near nature.
• When the scene changes, the state of mind changes too.