As the Chinese lunar calendar enters the first period of “Sanfu”, the hottest and most humid time of the year has officially begun across the country. In the Chinese lunar calendar, Sanfu (三伏), also known as the “dog days of summer,” refers to the three 10-day periods—Toufu, Zhongfu, and Mofu (头伏、中伏和末伏)—that are traditionally considered the peak of summer heat. The temperature soars, and the blazing sun feels like fire, making “heat” undeniably the defining theme of this season and the days ahead. During this time, many people yearn for the “Pure Land of Coolness” or the “Cool and Peaceful Realm” often mentioned in Buddhist teachings. But what is the Buddhist secret to attaining “coolness” or liberation from heat?
To understand what “coolness” truly signifies, we first need to grasph another concept— “mental agitation caused by heat” (热恼, rè nǎo). In Buddhist scriptures, this term symbolizes inner afflictions. By emphasizing bodily warmth and mental restlessness, especially the tangible sensation of heat, Buddhism helps us understand the oppressive and suffering nature of mental disturbances.
Corresponding to this is the concept of “coolness” (清凉, qīng liáng). After the translation and transmission of Buddhist teachings into China, this term came to describe a state of peace and tranquility gained through the elimination of various heat-induced afflictions. Metaphorically, “coolness” extends the physical sensation of freshness into a mental state of liberation from mental afflictions. It vividly illustrates the transcendence of desire and defilements, portraying a serene mental condition akin to experiencing physical coolness.
Since mental agitation arises from excessive desire and distracting thoughts, calming the mind and letting go of mental afflictions allows us to momentarily experience this coolness. The common saying, “A peaceful mind naturally cools,” echoes this idea. The Mahāprajnāpāramitāśāstra (Great Perfection of Wisdom Sutra) states: “Just as in summer, water brings cooling, beings immersed in mental heat, upon hearing the profound Perfection of Wisdom (Prajñāpāramitā), will certainly attain coolness—freedom from all heat and mental afflictions.”
May everyone observe the heat in their bodies and recognize the underlying mental afflictions. Through diligent practice, may you soon attain the ultimate coolness and achieve liberation.
