Today I am speaking on the 6th Beatitude, found in Matthew 5:8, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Jesus is teaching his disciples and followers that the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand, right within, reached through meditation, prayer, and right living that create a change in our consciousness. We move from emphasis on the worldly life to emphasis on the inner life. When we realize the higher consciousness we are truly blessed.
dictionary.com defines pure as “free from anything of a different, inferior, or contaminating kind…”
Cambridge Dictionary defines pure as “clean and free from harmful substances.”
Generally pure in heart is defined by desirable qualities, such as love, kindness, caring, compassion, patience, humility, and gentleness. These qualities are supportive of our soul life and allow us to be in the world in a more pure way, wanting the highest for others, not just for ourselves. We are uplifting of ourselves and of others when we are established in purity.
The qualities that have a contaminating effect are emotions such as anger, hatred, fear, arrogance, selfishness, jealousy, envy, lack, greed, malice, spite and unforgiveness. These emotions are indeed contaminating of our soul life, our purity. When we live from these emotions we live in duality, seeing the cause outside of ourselves, rather than taking responsibility for our emotions and actions. These qualities obscure our understanding of Truth.
There is a story about a young truth seeker, who went to an old sage one day and asked if the wise old man could help him find God.
The sage replied, “Yes, I can help you find God. Come back tomorrow morning. Make sure you pray, and meditate, and affirm your oneness with Spirit in the meantime.”
The man was delighted. The next morning he went to the sage. “Okay. Here I am. I’m ready.”
The sage said, “We’ll have to climb to the top of that hill over there. Pick up this backpack and follow me.”
The truth seeker struggled to put the bundle on his shoulders but managed to follow the sage. When they had only gone a few yards the man called out to the sage to stop.
“This backpack is too heavy. What do you have in here?”
The sage said, “The backpack contains five large stones.”
“Five stones!” shouted the aspirant.
“If it’s too heavy for you, take one of the stones out, and lighten your load.”
The aspirant did as the sage suggested. When he had only walked a few more steps he complained about the weight again.
The sage advised him to toss one more stone aside.
The trip up the hill was punctuated by the complaints, excuses, and pettiness of the aspirant.
By the time they reached the top of the hill the aspirant had thrown away all of the stones, as well as the backpack.
At the summit, he arrogantly told the sage, “Look. I’ve patronized you all of the way up here. I don’t see why I had to carry those stones in the first place. Were you going to build an altar or something? I don’t see what carrying them has to do with finding God.”
The sage replied, “You would not climb the hill with five measly stones. How do you expect to find your Godness when you have vices heavier than mere stones?(metaphysicalbible.wordpress.com)
If we are unwilling to deal with our negative emotions, constantly blaming people and conditions around us for the negativity in our life, we will be carrying heavy stones that prevent us from seeing our divinity and the divinity in others. The Kingdom of Heaven that is everywhere present will elude us. We will not see it.
From the Global Center for Spiritual Practices blog “Your Life is a Spiritual Practice,” an interpretation is presented of the 6th Beatitude based on the original Aramaic version of the Bible. Aramaic is the language Jesus spoke. The correct interpretation makes it clear that the purity of heart the 6th Beatitude is referring to is spiritual realization. I quote:
“In the original Aramaic, the correct translation for dadcean is not “pure in heart” per se. It’s more correctly translated as ‘spiritual perspective.’ It’s referring to an enlightened mind. A mind centered in super-conscious awareness. A mind that values the spiritual over the material.”
“The word ‘see’ as it is used in the standard interpretation of the 6th Beatitude is a mistranslation of the word mikhazoun, which means ‘comprehend.’ So, the ‘seeing’ implied here is not physical sight, but an internal ‘spiritual depth perception.’”
“So, we believe a more correct interpretation of the 6th Beatitude is: Fortunate are those who see things from a more Christed perspective; for they shall comprehend their innate divinity and spiritual worth.”
“The 6th Be-Attitude encourages us to lighten our egocentric load so we can see things from a Christed perspective. It reminds us to fill our consciousness with spiritual thoughts and inclinations instead of burdensome material thoughts and tendencies. We will lighten our load when we enlighten our perspective.” (End of quote.)
Matthew 6:21-22 says,”For where your treasure is, there is your heart. The eye is the lamp of the body; if therefore your eye be bright, your whole body is also lighted.” So the seeing of God is the spiritual realization that we are Divine beings, made in the image and likeness of God. We are one with God and one with all beings. Therefore we see God in ourselves and in all beings. That is how we see God when we are pure in heart. We see God everywhere. And that spiritual realization comes through daily meditation and prayer, focusing our life on our true treasure that is within us. Our treasure is in the heart of God.
Christ Jesus is our prime example of one who is pure in heart. He was loving, kind and compassionate. He loved the poor, the downtrodden, and the stranger. He forgave those who had made mistakes. He fed the multitudes with concern for their physical hunger, as well as their spiritual hunger. He taught and cared for others, not for personal gain, but to uplift their soul. He knew his oneness with God and he wanted us to know our oneness, too.
The Dalai Lama, who also exhibits the qualities of one with a pure heart, says: "Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive… My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness… If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion… Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible… The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation for goodness… The purpose of all major religious traditions is not to construct big temples on the outside, but to create temples of goodness and compassion inside, in our hearts.”
I found a wonderful article online by Gabriel Gonsalves with Sacred Heart Ministries & Cardiocentrica. The article is titled:
25 Signs You Have Pure Heart:
A Guide to Recognizing and Cultivating Inner Purity
He says:
“How do you know if you have a pure heart? What does it actually mean to be pure of heart? It’s a profound spiritual teaching, but how does it translate into the way we live our daily lives?
Over the years, I’ve done much reflection on what it means to have a pure heart. Through my own journey of growth and transformation, I’ve discovered that purity of heart is more than just being a “good person.” Rather, it’s a state that arises when we commit to living authentically, loving unconditionally, and serving something greater than ourselves. As Heart Leaders, when we live from this place, everything about the way we show up in the world changes.
In this article, I’ll explore 25 signs of having a pure heart. Having these characteristics will set you apart from everyone else. Let’s begin…”
1. You live from a place of integrity
Integrity is the foundation of a pure heart. When you’re in integrity, your thoughts, words, and actions align with your deepest values. You do the right thing even when it’s hard. Honesty is your policy, even if the truth is difficult. You walk your talk.
2. You overflow with humility
Purity of heart dissolves the ego‘s need to be “better than.” Regardless of your accomplishments or status, you remain humble and down-to-earth. You’re secure enough in yourself to lift others up and celebrate their successes. Humility allows you to be a clear channel for the Divine.
3. You exude loving-kindness
A pure heart can’t help but radiate kindness. You have a gentle way of being that puts others at ease. Even in challenging situations, you choose to respond with compassion rather than judgment or harshness. Your kindness is a balm that soothes and uplifts those around you.
4. You live with unshakeable trust
Trust is the glue that binds a pure heart. You choose to see the best in others and give them the benefit of the doubt. Even when people let you down, you don’t let it harden your heart. Your trust creates a field of safety that allows genuine connection to blossom.
5. You’re quick to forgive
Forgiveness is the path to freedom for a pure heart. You understand that holding onto resentment only poisons you. With compassion for others’ humanity, you’re able to release grievances and judgments. In doing so, you create space for more love to flow through you.
6. You embrace all with empathy and compassion.
Empathy is second nature to a pure heart. You have a gift for stepping into another’s shoes and seeing the world through their eyes. You feel others’ joys and sorrows as if they were your own. Your empathic presence is a healing force that helps others feel seen and understood.
7. You speak from the heart
A pure heart speaks the language of love. You understand the power of words to heal, inspire, and unite. Whether you’re sharing your truth, offering encouragement, or simply expressing care, you speak from a place of heartfelt sincerity. Your words carry the energy of your pure intentions.
8. You listen with your whole being
Wholehearted listening is an art that pure-hearted people naturally embody. You give others your complete attention, listening not just to their words but to the essence beneath. Free of judgment or interruption, your listening is an act of profound respect and caring.
9. People feel safe opening their hearts to you
When you have a pure heart, people can sense it. They feel safe and seen in your presence. Without even trying, you create a space where others can open up and be vulnerable. Your pure heart invites people to drop their masks and defenses and connect with you heart-to-heart.
10. You serve something greater than yourself
Purity of heart blossoms through selfless service. You’re devoted to making a positive difference, not to gain reward, but because uplifting others uplifts you too. You understand that all beings are interconnected and that the highest purpose is to be a conduit for more love in the world.
11. You see innocence and beauty everywhere
Through pure eyes, you see the innate innocence and beauty in all things. In a child’s laughter, a flower’s bloom, or even a stranger’s smile, you perceive the Divine essence shining through. You look past surface appearances to discern the fundamental goodness at the core of every being. This ability to see the innocence in all allows you to connect with others deeply.
12. You’re at peace with what is
A pure heart meets reality as it is, without resistance. While you hold a vision for how things could be better, you don’t get trapped in wishing things were different. You find an unshakeable place of peace within you that allows you to be with even the most difficult circumstances.
13. You embrace your own shadows
Purity is not about perfection – it’s about wholeness. With courage and honesty, you acknowledge your own shadow – the hurt or fearful parts of you that are easy to deny. By bringing them into the light with compassion, they start to heal. Integrating shadow and light, your heart becomes more free.
14. You’re in sync with your soul
A pure heart puts you on a direct line to your soul. You feel a strong connection to your soul’s purpose and let it guide your life. You notice the subtle ways your soul communicates with you through intuition, dreams, and synchronicities. Following your soul’s lead, you feel more and more in flow.
15. You honor your body as sacred
Purifying the heart goes hand in hand with purifying the body. You treat your body like the sacred vessel it is, nourishing it with wholesome food, movement, rest, and connection with nature. As you increasingly honor your body’s wisdom, your heart grows more radiant.
16. You lead from the heart
In any leadership role – as a parent, colleague, or community member – you lead from a place of love. Instead of trying to control or criticize, you aim to evoke the best in others. You know that the heart is the most powerful force for transformation and you have the courage to let yours lead.
17. You honor the Divine in all
A pure heart sees the Divine everywhere. Beyond surface differences, you sense the sacred life force that animates all beings. You treat everyone you meet as a unique expression of the Divine, worthy of respect and care. This dissolves separation and opens the way for genuine holy encounters.
18. You revere all living beings
A pure heart recognizes the sacred spark in all sentient beings. You treat every creature, from the tiniest insect to the mightiest elephant, with respect and compassion. You strive to live in harmony with nature, honoring the interconnectedness of all life. This reverence extends to your daily choices, as you seek to minimize harm and cultivate peace.
19. You’re unattached to outcomes
Purity of heart brings a deep trust in the unfolding of life. You set intentions and work towards goals, but you release attachment to specific results. You find an inner freedom in doing your best and then surrendering the rest. This allows you to stay rooted in peace even when things don’t go as planned.
20. You embrace simplicity
A pure heart is not cluttered with endless wants. You find joy in simplicity and are content with what you have. You see that happiness comes from being, not constantly acquiring more. Simplifying your life creates more space for what matters most.
21. You practice radical gratitude
Gratitude is the prayer of a pure heart. No matter what’s happening in your life, you find reasons to be thankful. You’re grateful for your blessings, but you also give thanks for your challenges, knowing they help you grow. Radical gratitude keeps your heart open and attracts more goodness into your life.
22. You take responsibility
With a pure heart, you don’t fall into the trap of blaming others. You take full responsibility for your life, your reactions, and the energy you bring. Even when things are difficult, you focus on what you can learn and how you can respond with love. This empowers you to be the change you wish to see.
23. You choose joy
A pure heart is not dependent on outside circumstances for happiness – you find a source of joy within. You make a conscious choice to appreciate the gift of life and to bring more light to the world. Your joy becomes a blessing to everyone you meet.
24. You let love transform you
The path of the heart takes courage, because love will transform every part of your life. A pure heart is open to letting love change you from the inside out. As old fears, limiting beliefs, and unhealthy patterns arise, you allow love to heal them. Breath by breath, love is purifying you.
25. You live in devotional service
Ultimately, purity of heart is about devoting your life to love. In every moment, you ask yourself, “What would love do?” Then you put love into action. You see every task, from the mundane to the profound, as an offering to the Divine. Washing dishes, creating art, or serving others – all become expressions of your devotion. Your life becomes a living prayer, a joyful celebration of the sacred in all things.
Gabriel says of himself: “My journey of purifying the heart has been messy, humbling, and beautiful beyond words. For many years, I sought happiness and fulfillment outside myself. I chased achievements, relationships, and peak experiences, hoping they would make me feel whole.
However, the more I pursued external happiness, the emptier I felt within. It was only when I began to turn inward, to do the deep work of connecting with my own heart, that true transformation began.
Through practices such as meditation, prayer, and self-inquiry, I started to dissolve the layers of fear and judgment blocking my heart. I learned to embrace my imperfections with compassion. I discovered how to love and accept all parts of myself.
As I undertook this inner work, my outer world began to shift in miraculous ways. My relationships became more authentic and loving. My work felt more meaningful and inspired. I attracted more abundance and opportunity than I ever thought possible.
But the greatest gift has been the peace, joy, and wholeness I’ve found within my own being. I’ve come to see that this is our natural state – the radiant purity that lies at the core of every heart.”
Gabriel says of seeing God in all creation
“As I reflect on Jesus’ words, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God,” I realize that what he was trying to say was that having a pure heart will allow you to see God – not as an old man sitting on a cloud, but within yourself, in others, and in all creation.”
“You look in the mirror and see a sacred being looking back at you. You gaze into the eyes of a stranger and recognize your shared humanity. You witness the beauty of a sunset and feel your oneness with all that is. That’s the essence of what it means to have a pure heart.”
“This is why Jesus said that only the little children will reach heaven. Young children have a natural purity of heart that allows them to see the world through eyes of wonder and love. They haven’t yet accumulated the layers of pain, fear, and judgment that cloud our perception as we age.”
“The good news is that, regardless of how closed your heart may be or how much trauma you’ve endured, you can reclaim that childlike purity of heart. You can learn to see with the eyes of love again. The key is in forgiving, surrendering, and letting go of all the unlovingness you’ve accumulated over the years – the wounds, the resentments, the limiting beliefs. As you release these layers with compassion, your natural purity will begin to shine through.”
“Finally, remember that purifying the heart is a lifelong journey, not a destination. So, be patient and compassionate with yourself. Trust that your sincere intention to live and lead from the heart is already making a profound difference. The kingdom of heaven is within the heart. Those who look inside awaken.”
Thank you, Gabriel, for your words of wisdom. I think we can all relate to Gabriel’s journey of looking into the world for our happiness and finally realizing after many years that the happiness we seek is within us. In daily prayer, meditation, spiritual study and self-inquiry we find the purity of our heart that allows us to see God everywhere. Blessed are the pure in heart, those who have tuned their heart to God, for they shall see God in everyone. And so it is!
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