I myself need to cultivate such awareness all the time. Sometimes, people say I am not consistent because one moment I seem to be cheerful, and soon after I appear to be very serious. When I am concentrating on work and one of my disciples interrupts me, I practice awareness to notice what my expression is like, what my tone of voice is like. It is easy to get caught up in something, and being called to something else can cause tension. I try to remain aware of myself even at these times. This may sound insignificant, but it too is practice. My expressions, the tone of my voice, my body movements are all things to work on. I may not even be angry, but I may appear to be so when I turn to speak to my disciple. More than likely it is a look of concentration, but if it causes uneasiness in others, then I should work on it. So, it is practice for my disciple and me. I practice to be more aware of my expression and my disciple practices not to be so swayed by other people. We start small and work deeper and deeper. Ultimately, we need to contemplate whether our actions are based on wisdom or personal gain.

Mind of Non-abiding

"With nothing to attain, bodhisattvas, relying on prajnaparamita, have no obstructions in their minds,” means that when you have left behind all seeking, and function only in prajna, the wisdom of the bodhisattva manifests. When bodhisattvas rely on prajnaparamita, the wisdom that transcends afflictions, no obstructions remain in their minds. However, bodhisattvas on the first through seventh bhumis still perceive that there are sentient beings to save. Without thinking of personal merit and virtue, they are aware of helping others. Even while encountering difficulties and obstructions, they persist in their vows. On the eighth bhumi and above, bodhisattvas no longer need to make vows. Furthermore, they no longer perceive of someone helping or someone being helped; helping becomes a natural and spontaneous action.