What does it mean to maintain clear understanding and right mindfulness in Topic 69 of the Prayer Theory?

Mindfulness means not forgetting the good Dharma, and right knowledge means always using wisdom to observe the three gates and uphold the good Dharma. In the past, eminent monks often compared the mind to a horse, mindfulness to the rope that tied the horse, and clear understanding to the horse's owner, who always looked after the horse.

Because clear understanding and right mindfulness are two necessary conditions for successful practice. With clear understanding, you will always observe whether your body, speech, and mind are in compliance with the Dharma. As long as you find something that is not as good as the Dharma, you will refocus your mind on the good Dharma. If you practice in this way, your continuum will not be polluted by worries and you will become a good practitioner.