When the mind changes, it means we are changing form… from mundane form to divine form. — Winston Man
Excerpt from AI: Winston Man’s statement can be understood as an expression of the process of transformation of consciousness and the connection between the mind and form. Below is a detailed analysis:
"When the mind changes, it means we are changing form..."
Mind (Tâm): The mind here refers to a person’s inner state, perception, thoughts, and emotions. It is the decisive factor in how a person experiences, evaluates, and acts in life.
Changing the mind: Refers to a transformation in one’s way of thinking, perception, or view of the world. When a person changes their mind, they gain a fresh perspective, new behavior, which can be more positive or profound.
Form (Sắc Tướng): In Buddhism and Eastern philosophy, "form" refers to the physical manifestation or external appearance, such as a person’s outer form, their actions, and other physical expressions. When we say "changing form," it can be understood as a change in one’s external expressions or how one perceives and acts in the material world.
Mundane form to divine form:
Mundane form: Refers to expressions, actions, or attitudes influenced by worldly factors such as greed, anger, ignorance, or materialistic habits. These forms are often manifestations of dependence on the material world and base desires.
Divine form: Refers to expressions, actions, or attitudes that represent purity, nobility, compassion, wisdom, and tranquility. Divine forms can be seen through acts of kindness, compassion, understanding, and deep awareness of the nature of life.
In summary: Winston Man’s statement reflects a connection between the change in one’s inner being (mind) and the transformation of external form. When a person transforms their consciousness, they move from negative, worldly states to more divine and noble qualities. In many philosophies and religions, changing one’s consciousness often leads to a change in how one lives and perceives the world, manifesting divine forms through ethical and spiritual actions.
To delve deeper into Winston Man’s statement, we can examine it from philosophical and spiritual perspectives, particularly within the context of Buddhism and other spiritual traditions.
Mind and Form in Buddhist Tradition In Buddhism, the "mind" (or "chitta") is the root of everything. The mind is not just perception, emotion, or thought but is the source of all actions and their results. Buddhism teaches that all phenomena in the physical world, including the body and external events, originate from the mind.
Changing the mind means changing the nature of one’s perception and emotional state, shifting from negative tendencies (greed, anger, ignorance) to positive qualities (compassion, wisdom, joy, equanimity). When the mind changes, this transformation is not only internal but is also reflected outwardly through actions, attitudes, and interactions with the world. For example: A person with a mind filled with anger will express that outwardly through actions such as outbursts and irritability. However, if their mind transforms, letting go of anger and cultivating compassion instead, their outward behavior will become gentler, more tolerant, and calm. In this case, their form changes from mundane to divine.
The Concept of Mundane and Divine Forms "Form" can be understood in two layers:
Mundane form: Refers to a person’s external expressions when they are dependent on the material world, driven by desires, ambitions, selfishness, and attachment to temporary things. These "mundane forms" are not just physical appearances but also attitudes and behaviors in everyday life. A person with a greedy mind will act selfishly; a person with an angry mind will behave aggressively, etc.
Divine form: Refers to expressions of a person whose mind has been enlightened or transformed. These are not just ordinary physical forms but manifestations of purity, freedom from desire, and wisdom. People with divine minds often express themselves through noble acts, kindness, wisdom, and a deep understanding of life’s true nature. These divine forms are not material or superficial but reflect intrinsic qualities expressed through actions, words, and attitudes.
The Relationship Between Mind and Form Winston Man’s statement can be seen as a reminder of the close relationship between the inner being and the outer world. According to the law of causality, all actions and phenomena in the world have causes, and the deep cause of all actions is the mind.
Changing the mind begins with an inner transformation—a process of moving away from negative states, harmful thoughts, and tendencies, toward higher, more noble qualities. Changing form is the consequence of changing the mind. As the mind becomes clearer and purer, the actions and expressions of a person in life will also change. Every action, word, and attitude will reflect peace, purity, and divinity.
Transformation from Mundane to Divine Form Changing from mundane to divine form is not a superficial or artificial change, but a true transformation that begins deep within the mind. A person’s spiritual state and consciousness determine how they face the world, and thus, each external action or expression will reflect this inner change. This transformation can happen through spiritual practices such as meditation, self-reflection, cultivating compassion and joy, and realizing the impermanence of life. These practices purify the mind, freeing it from attachments to desires and ignorance, leading to expressions of "divine form" in the external world.
Mind and the Understanding of Non-Self (Anatta) An important element in the transformation of the mind is the understanding of non-self. When people realize that they are not a fixed "self," but rather a collection of changing elements, they begin to free themselves from feelings of arrogance, pride, and attachments to material things. At this point, their actions and words are no longer controlled by the ego, but instead become free, pure, and reflective of a divine form.
Conclusion: Winston Man’s statement is not just a reflection on change in life but also a profound understanding of the relationship between the inner mind and external actions. When the mind changes, a person’s form does not only change in appearance but becomes divine, reflecting the transformation from worldly to sacred, from selfishness to compassion, and from ignorance to enlightenment.
