Skip to main content

AtR Dharma Library

Library shortcuts

Continue exploring the core readings, free books, audio and full Dharma library.

Browse Must Reads ↗ — begin with Seven Stages, then On Anatta.

Leaving traces or Attainment?

The Absolute is ever present yet completely "ungraspable". In fact it is amazing how this idea of 'grasping' and 'possession' comes about. If I were to ask myself what exactly can be held or grasped when it comes to our Buddha Nature? The answer is a straight 'nothing'. Staying too long in the world of "forms", we confused the mechanics and laws of "forms" as ultimate truth and unknowingly apply these laws to the "formless"; these laws don't apply, even 'here and now' does not apply. When we rely our understanding on these ideas and concepts of the 'forms', we find it difficult to understand our pristine nature. Although the laws of 'forms' do not apply, karma applies. We must be well aware that actions leave imprints on consciousness. Imprints and traces are often neglected especially for practitioners that have some glimpses of the Absolute. They merely see the Presence, not the empty nature and imprints. Traces of latent tendencies continue to manifest from moment to moment, there is nothing to deny. These tendencies and dispositions do not subside with the realization of our pristine nature or by residing in the Unmanifest; they have to be unwinded and let manifest. Therefore understanding our true nature is not only about non duality, presence, existence and as the light of everything (to be more exact, the light is the "Everything"); it is also about its ungraspability, unlocatibility and empty nature; it is also about the latent tendencies and dispositions. All these must be included to have a complete understanding of our nature. We cannot choose one and ignore the others. Attaching to the Unmanifest is not an attainment, it is a retrogression. What happens when one attempt to grasp the ungraspable? Nothing gained, only leaving traces and imprints. :-)

Comments

balajit said…
thank you for this. i think unless we work through (or unwind) what remains unconscious any Insight will only be partly embodied.
PasserBy said…
Yes and 'work through' by simply opening up fearlessly and unreservedly to whatever arises. Then the 'walk through' will be spontaneous and effortless. :)

Thanks,
PasserBy

The AtR Dharma Library

Must Reads

New here? Begin with Seven Stages, then On Anatta. Explore the full collection below.

View full list on page →

New in the AtR library

Latest posts

Up to 20 recent articles, newest publication first.

Browse more posts below.

Browse more posts →

AtR Library

Browse books, articles, recordings and ways to follow AtR.

Start Here →Recommended readings and the free AtR guides John Tan’s Website ↗
Free Books
    View section on page →
    Featured Articles
      View section on page →
      Audio & Video
        View section on page →
        Further Reading
          View section on page →
          Follow Awakening to Reality
            View section on page →
            Full library on page

            Search AtR

            Examples: anatta · I AM · emptiness · dependent origination · Zen · Mahamudra · Dzogchen

            Try Google for broader results ↗

            Google searches this site in a new tab.