The phrase “clarifying the mind and seeing one's true nature” often mentioned in Buddhism can be understood on a simple level as: understanding one's own “true heart” and seeing one's own “true nature”. Clarifying the mind and seeing one's true nature is extremely important. Spiritually, it is the starting point of cultivation; practically, it is a hallmark of a person truly recognizing their own inner heart, truly realizing the meaning of their own life, and initially reaching the level of "being without doubts".

But for ordinary people, clarifying the mind and seeing one's true nature is very difficult and requires breaking through layers of illusions.

Everyone's growth environment is different. In the process of growing up, one's thoughts will inevitably be influenced by all aspects such as family, school, society, tradition, and culture. In the end, there is a high probability that under the influence of various aspects, one will find a balance point that they can accept. This is also the state of “becoming mature” in the words of others, after starting to contact society and going through various beatings of reality.

But is this “maturity” truly mature? Are these thoughts at this moment your true thoughts deep down in your heart, or merely compromises after being beaten down by society? Were your naive and simple thoughts back then really just “naive and simple”? With these doubts, if things go on like this, you will completely lose your true self, become numb and indifferent, and eventually turn into a piece of duckweed drifting with the current.

Therefore, break through the layers of illusions surrounding yourself, and have the courage to face your true self. No matter how ugly, how shameless, how disgusting, or how terrifying your true self is, that is your true nature.

After recognizing your own true nature, do not fight against it; reconcile with it, then accept it, get used to it, control it, and ultimately refine it. This is the very purpose of spiritual cultivation.

Clarifying the mind and seeing one's true nature, and thus seeing the Tathagata.