Xinxin Ming (心性铭)

A Journey into the Heart of Chan Buddhism

TheGentleLaw Community

Xinxin Ming (心性铭) is a poem attributed to the great Chan master Jianzhi Sengcan (鉴智僧璨). This text serves as a profound guide to the practice of Chan (Zen) Buddhism, offering insights into the nature of the mind, the essence of the self, and the path to awakening. Through its simplicity, it has resonated with countless practitioners throughout the centuries.

Chinese Version of Xinxin Ming

心性铭 (Xinxin Ming)

原文:

心性铭
不立文字，
不挂言句，
直指人心，
见性成佛。
随缘无定，
心无所住，
是名大慧，
安住无碍。
心无妄想，
即是佛性，
不生不灭，
常住不变，
无为而无不为。

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Analytical Translation

1. 不立文字 (bù lì wén zì)
Do not establish through written words

The first line starts with a strong directive: the practitioner should not rely on written words or doctrines as the ultimate means to understanding. This refers to the limitations of conceptual thinking, emphasizing that true insight goes beyond words, concepts, and texts.

2. 不挂言句 (bù guà yán jù)
Do not cling to verbal expressions

Here, the poet emphasizes that one should not cling to specific phrases or linguistic constructions. The heart of awakening is beyond language, highlighting the transcendence of conceptual barriers.

3. 直指人心 (zhí zhǐ rén xīn)
Directly pointing to the human heart/mind

This line echoes the Chan tradition’s method of pointing directly at the mind or essence of being. It invites the practitioner to look beyond the distractions of the world and internal chatter to connect with their true nature.

4. 见性成佛 (jiàn xìng chéng fó)
Seeing one’s true nature leads to Buddhahood

The goal of Chan practice is to recognize one's inherent Buddha-nature. "Seeing one’s nature" refers to recognizing the true essence of the self, free from delusions. This is the key to attaining Buddhahood, which is not something to be sought outside, but realized within.

5. 随缘无定 (suí yuán wú dìng)
Follow conditions without attachment

The term suí yuán (随缘) refers to the idea of responding to the world with equanimity, without resistance or attachment. "No fixed conditions" means embracing the fluidity of life, and not forcing situations to conform to preconceived notions or rigid patterns.

6. 心无所住 (xīn wú suǒ zhù)
The mind does not dwell anywhere

This line suggests the quality of a liberated mind: a mind that does not cling to any particular place, thought, or identity. It points to the mental state of non-attachment, which is essential for true peace and clarity.

7. 是名大慧 (shì míng dà huì)
This is called great wisdom

The poem identifies non-attachment as the highest form of wisdom. It is through the abandonment of grasping at thoughts and things that one gains insight into the nature of reality.

8. 安住无碍 (ān zhù wú ài)
Dwelling in peace without obstruction

The concept of ān zhù (安住) conveys a peaceful abiding, while wú ài (无碍) refers to a lack of obstacles. A mind that is free of clinging is able to exist in the world harmoniously, without being troubled or hindered by external conditions.

9. 心无妄想 (xīn wú wàng xiǎng)
The mind is free of delusions

In this line, the poet expresses that when the mind is clear and free from false thoughts or illusions, it naturally reflects reality as it is. This is crucial to realizing the true nature of the self.

10. 即是佛性 (jí shì fó xìng)
This is precisely Buddha-nature

Recognizing that the mind, when free from delusion, is identical to Buddha-nature. This is a key teaching in Chan, emphasizing that everyone has the potential for awakening within.

11. 不生不灭 (bù shēng bù miè)
Neither born nor extinguished

This profound declaration points to the eternal nature of Buddha-nature. It is neither created nor destroyed, thus remaining beyond the cycles of birth and death, transcending the illusion of impermanence.

12. 常住不变 (cháng zhù bù biàn)
It abides forever, unchanging

Echoing the previous line, the poet stresses the permanence and unchanging nature of the true self. While worldly phenomena may change, the essence of mind remains constant.

13. 无为而无不为 (wú wéi ér wú bù wèi)
Doing nothing yet nothing is left undone

This final line reveals the paradoxical wisdom of Chan Buddhism: acting without attachment or effort leads to the most effective action. Wú wéi (无为), or "non-action," refers to the natural, spontaneous way of being in the world, where all actions arise effortlessly and in accordance with the truth of reality.

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Conclusion

In its simplicity, Xinxin Ming captures the heart of Chan Buddhism: a practice of non-attachment, non-conceptual awareness, and the direct experience of one’s true nature. The poem invites us to transcend the limitations of words and concepts, pointing us directly toward the realization of Buddhahood through the insight that lies within every moment and every experience.

May we all be inspired to dwell in peace, free of delusions, and fully awake to the present moment.

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What are your thoughts on Xinxin Ming? How do you interpret its teachings in your life or practice? I’d love to hear your reflections in the comments below!