Soh


https://www.facebook.com/share/p/aJjzmseiwoHom1jE/?



Update, new post:


Soh:


I just coincidentally read a quote by Acarya Malcolm days ago which I agree:


https://www.dharmawheel.net/viewtopic.php?p=606932


There is no source, no pure love, or anything like it. The highest manifestation of consciousness is a person who has realized how things are 100%, in other words, a buddha. 


Now, to the extent that Buddhas are motivated by love, the wish that sentient beings be happy, we can say they are embodiments of love. But there is nothing at all mysterious about that, just as there is nothing mysterious about a mother’s love for an only child.”


If things arose out of dharmakāya, we would all be awakened from the beginning. 


We say, in a general way, that "everything arises out of emptiness" as a metaphor for not being able to find a ultimate source for anything. As Nāgārjuna puts it, "empty things arise from things that are empty."”



If anything, love is simply part of the potentialities:



" - https://www.awakeningtoreality.com/.../madhyamaka...

those who assert they are not nominal but truly existent has fallen into extreme views

as for the shentong views of intrinsic qualities, it can lend itself to substantialist views easily

instead one should see this way:

9/3/2012 11:38 PM: John: Namdrol pointed out diff between shentong and dzogchen... The potentiality and full form...cut and paste that as that is important.

9/3/2012 11:39 PM: Soh Wei Yu: Ok

9/3/2012 11:40 PM: Soh Wei Yu: Saved it in my email. Malcolm Smith

The problem with shentong, which CHNN has addressed many times, is that in Dzogchen the result exists as a potentiality of the basis; but in Shenton it is fully formed at all times. For this reason, in several retreats ChNN has declared that shentong is incompatible with Dzogchen.

...

9/4/2012 1:54 AM: John: His current practice of seeing awareness as a background

9/4/2012 1:54 AM: Soh Wei Yu: I see

9/4/2012 1:54 AM: Soh Wei Yu: I guess he won't see it as background anymore then

9/4/2012 1:54 AM: Soh Wei Yu: Doesn't seem compatible

9/4/2012 1:55 AM: John: So no awareness, whatever arises is

9/4/2012 1:55 AM: Soh Wei Yu: Ic..

9/4/2012 1:56 AM: John: U understand what namdrol mean?

9/4/2012 1:56 AM: Soh Wei Yu: Shentong? One is buddha nature is empty of any inherent attributes, manifesting according to conditions

9/4/2012 1:57 AM: Soh Wei Yu: The other is buddha nature is already replete with all the qualities of buddhahood and just needs to discove

9/4/2012 1:57 AM: John: No good...u r filling words not knowing the meaning

9/4/2012 1:58 AM: John: And what u said is completely out

9/4/2012 1:59 AM: Soh Wei Yu: I think its like what I wrote before

9/4/2012 1:59 AM: Soh Wei Yu: In the past I had the idea that there is an inherently existing Self waiting to be discovered

9/4/2012 2:00 AM: Soh Wei Yu: Now I see that everything is being "created" or actualized by conditions, nothing inherent

9/4/2012 2:00 AM: Soh Wei Yu: Including buddha-nature

9/4/2012 2:00 AM: John: How this relates to what namdrol said

9/4/2012 2:01 AM: John: Tell me line by line what he meant...u like to gross around

9/4/2012 2:09 AM: John: tell Christ, just joking...no offence.

9/4/2012 2:09 AM: John: Lol

9/4/2012 2:10 AM: Soh Wei Yu: Haha ok

9/4/2012 2:14 AM: Soh Wei Yu: Malcolm Smith

The problem with shentong, which CHNN has addressed many times, is that in Dzogchen the result exists as a potentiality of the basis; but in Shenton it is fully formed at all times. For this reason, in several retreats ChNN has declared that shentong is incompatible with Dzogchen.

59 minutes ago Like

9/4/2012 2:19 AM: Soh Wei Yu: in Dzogchen the result exists as a potentiality of the basis: means the result (buddha's qualities) arises as one of the possible appearance of luminous emptiness. But it is nothing inherently existing anywhere, merely manifest when conditions are there. It is in the form of actualizing buddha nature through conditions. "in Shenton it is fully formed at all times." The buddha qualities are inherently existing in ourselves, so there is no need for any conditions and it is only a matter of discovering something inherent. This teaching does not factor conditionality in terms of result and may have a danger of inherent view

9/4/2012 2:19 AM: Soh Wei Yu: Not sure if I'm right

9/4/2012 2:20 AM: John: Sort of

9/4/2012 2:20 AM: Soh Wei Yu: Arising as potentiality also means without conditions nothing manifest, nothing inherent

9/4/2012 2:20 AM: John: Yes

Madhyamaka, Cittamātra, and the true intent of Maitreya and Asaṅga self.Buddhism

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Madhyamaka, Cittamātra, and the true intent of Maitreya and Asaṅga self.Buddhism

Madhyamaka, Cittamātra, and the true intent of Maitreya and Asaṅga self.Buddhism

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This Heart (Suchness) Free from Taints
Geovani GeoJohn Tan
How incredible; how amazing; that emptiness is intertwined with compassion.
18 Comments
André A. Pais
Intertwined may not be the best term. It sounds like 2 things brought together.
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1d
Geovani Geo
Which term would you use?
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1d
André A. Pais
No term is perfect, but perhaps inseparable, one with, of one taste, etc. Intertwined is a very visual thing, like 2 strings spinning around each other. Imo. I'm not native of the English language.
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Geovani Geo
Neither am I.
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John Tan
Geovani Geo y incredible and amazing?
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1d
Geovani Geo
John Tan, well.... I did not expect you to ask that... so lets say its a special koan just for you 🙂
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John Tan
Geovani Geo lol. Usually ppl only say it is "incredible" and "amazing" due to "inseparability" or "interwined" because it was once thought to be distinct and separated.
The buddhist term used is "non-arisen" in the sense that "separation" never existed in the first place; therefore compassion is not the result of realizing emptiness, not a cause-effect relationship.
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Geovani Geo
Maybe we mean the same although what you wrote sounds a bit too 'mental'. And whatever I could say will also sound 'mental', but...
Emptiness has a heart - amazing!
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John Tan
Geovani Geo Emptiness is for us to realize this heart (suchness) free from taints (essence, references) other than that, it has no purpose. It is not exactly a mental enterprise, quite contrary, it is the cessation of such proliferated activities.
The direct and simultaneity pointing to one's "heart" is another approach. The issue is when practitioners authenticate suchness pre-maturely with such approach without seeing through emptiness of "named phenomena", they ended up fooling and losing themselves in wonderland.
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Geovani Geo
Of course, emptiness has no purpose. Even conventional space has no purpose. The moment "emptiness" gives raise to intellectual fabrications of any kind its already wonderland. The farther I can go with this right now, without any reference to any 'school' or 'teaching', is to say that 'emptiness' is the realization of absolute lack of references as time or location.
"Emptiness has a heart", is not pointing to any specific area of the body, its not some tantric teaching or approach. It is a an insight that occurred here regarding the all-good intent of impersonal suchness. But now, again, 'all-good' and 'intent' have no known moral or causal connotations that the localized conditioned mind could deal with in any way.
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John Tan
Geovani Geo what is the "emptiness" u r talking about?
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Geovani Geo
The question made using a 'what', makes no sense, John. As I wrote above: "The farther I can go with this right now, without any reference to any 'school' or 'teaching', is to say that 'emptiness' is the realization of absolute lack of references as time or location."
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John Tan
Geovani Geo don't be immobilized. It will lead u nowhere. Emptiness is not to mislead u into a position where one can't clearly discern left from right. It is clear and conventions has valid connotations.
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Edited
John Tan
Geovani Geo if however u r referring to direct pointing to one's mind that is a different matter.
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Geovani Geo
What do you mean by "don't be immobilized"?
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John Tan
Geovani Geo just let it be.
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Geovani Geo
But the realization of emptiness, of its natural unborn heart is tantamount to total 'letting it be'. It is the opposite only if 'emptiness' becomes conceptual.
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1d
Geovani Geo
About "mind', it depends on the meaning, right? It can refer to the conditioned ground of the localized 'human', or the ineffable empty ground of all there is.
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1d
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Soh Wei Yu
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"The purpose of anatta is to have full blown experience of the heart -- boundlessly, completely, non-dually and non-locally. Re-read what I wrote to Jax.
In every situations, in all conditions, in all events. It is to eliminate unnecessary contrivity so that our essence can be expressed without obscuration.
Jax wants to point to the heart but is unable to express in a non-dual way... for in duality, the essence cannot be realized. All dualistic interpretation are mind made. You know the smile of Mahākāśyapa? Can you touch the heart of that smile even 2500 yrs later?
One must lose all mind and body by feeling with entire mind and body this essence which is 心 (Mind). Yet 心 (Mind) too is 不可得 (ungraspable/unobtainable).. The purpose is not to deny 心 (Mind) but rather not to place any limitations or duality so that 心 (Mind) can fully manifest.
Therefore without understanding 缘 (conditions),is to limit 心 (Mind). without understanding 缘 (conditions),is to place limitation in its manifestations. You must fully experience 心 (Mind) by realizing 无心 (No-Mind) and fully embrace the wisdom of 不可得 (ungraspable/unobtainable)." - John Tan/Thusness, 2014
The Transient Universe has a Heart
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Also, something I wrote:
Dzogchen: Beyond Cause and Effect
(r) "Because (followers of anuyoga) do not understand that the phenomena of the universe, however they appear, are the Source, just-that-ness, they see space and wisdom (respectively as) cause and effect. Because they affirm the cause and deny the effect, (they have) obstacles until (they develop) confidence in (dzogchen) that transcends both affirmation and negation."
"Followers of anuyoga do not understand that all phenomena of the universe, however they appear, are the state of Pure Perfect Presence, the Source, just-that-ness. They see a duality of cause and effect, in which the two aspects -- the emptiness of space and the luminosity of wisdom -- are, respectively, earlier cause and later effect. They affirm the production of the effect from the cause, but deny the dependence of the cause upon the effect. They do not understand that all phenomena are the essence of self-originated wisdom, which primordially transcends arising, ceasing, accepting, and rejecting based upon cause and effect. Thus they have the obstacle of not understanding the authentic state, the real condition, until they correctly acquire confidence in the fundamental principle of ati dzogchen that transcends both affirmation and negation."
- Ornament of the State of Samantabhadra: Commentary on the All-Creating King, Pure Perfect Presence, Great Perfection of All Phenomena
(The text is translated by Jim Valby, chapter 1-10, second edition: https://sites.google.com/site/jimvalbythings/)
.....
A discussion based on the above sharing:
RC: There is no where to go and no experience that requires correcting.
I don't follow the distinction that is being made in the sentence "they affirm the production of the effect from the cause but deny the dependence of the cause on the effect"
Soh Wei Yu (Me): If you have some notion that there is a space behind phenomena out of which phenomena is later created, that is dualism. All phenomena are one's own state, one's own essence, nature and energy.
The notion of true origination is erroneous. For example, there is no such thing as sunlight truly created by the sun as the sun is designated in dependence on sunlight, it's not that sun precedes sunlight. Sun has no sun-essence apart from shining and shining has no essence of its own apart from sun. Father is also designated in dependence on the son, the cause does not truly precede its effects. If you think the father could exist without the son, then you are affirming the producer of the effect independently of the effect. In truth, the son, the love for the son 'actualizes' the father. Both are merely designated in dependence without any independent reality. In truth, sunlight/manifestation is non-originated, non-arising. There is no that which produces and that which is produced when both are merely/dependently designated.
Stian: Nice pointing, thanks. I got a sense of it.
RC: Richard Cooper So we are saying that concepts rely on one another to create the perception of a universe/the world we experience.
That there is perception going on seems to be a bit of a sticking point for me. The emptiness of "external" phenomena seems a lot more obvious.
Soh Wei Yu (Me): Yes, the concepts of inherently existing entities/realities, cause and effect (one that could precede another), and so forth.
Perception already has loaded connotations with it, as it implies a perceiver and a perceiving. Same in fact for the term "awareness" if understood incorrectly. But these terms are not an issue as long as you understand that perception has no self-existence apart from perceiving/perceiver and perceiver/perceiving has no self-existence apart from perception, they are all merely designated in dependence but does not refer to some independent or inherently existing reality.
As for the non-referential "basis" or "ground" which you may call "perception", perhaps a better word would be "presence" or better yet "presencing". Whatever is vividly appearing is simply "presencing". "all phenomena of the universe, however they appear, are the state of Pure Perfect Presence"
There is no denial of that direct experience of Presence. It's just whether it's understood properly
If we talk about pure perfect presence as the source, it's very easy to fall into an ontological notion of creator-creation dualism. And this is the reason for the clarification above regarding cause and effect.
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Dzogchen: Beyond Cause and Effect
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Joel Agee
I posted this on another list. Jackson suggested I post it here:
Here are two sentences from one of the oldest Dzogchen texts, The All-Creating Monarch (Kunjed Gyalpo) quoted in Longchenpa's Precious Treasury of the Way of Abiding (Richard Barron's translation):
“Seek the location of the heart essence through phenomena that derive from it
and come to appreciate it through the skillful means of not conceptualizing in any way whatsoever.
Since the heart essence occurs naturally, dharmakaya is not elsewhere.”
Coming across these lines had a vividly awakening effect on me.
Like · · Unfollow Post · September 2, 2012 at 1:29pm
Dannon Flynn, Steven Monaco, Mr NK and 6 others like this.
Joel Agee Simple but profound and ongoing: a deconstruction of an unconscious habit of locating awareness anywhere else than in the moment-to-moment transient phenomena. Whoosh! No observer, no witness. No location!
September 2, 2012 at 1:44pm · Unlike · 10
David Vardy No location but 'here' in the heart....
September 2, 2012 at 1:46pm via mobile · Like · 2
Chris Collins You're finding a deepening clarity in transcient phenomena ? Can you explain any more ?
September 2, 2012 at 1:48pm via mobile · Like
Joel Agee David: Yes, definitely. And your putting "here" in quotes feels accurate, because that too is unfindable.
September 2, 2012 at 1:50pm · Like · 2
Joel Agee Chris, I'm not sure I can explain exactly. There's a frequent and delightful experience of being "confirmed" by sounds and sights, especially sounds. Greater appreciation of what shows up from moment to moment, a kind of energy of being available for anything. More spontaneous ease in action and speech and thought. But in a way this is all secondary. The recognition of awareness is unobstructed. Sometimes it seems to be obscured by thoughts and feelings, and then it's obvious that those too are the clarity and the emptiness. RIght now there's joy in seeing and saying this.
September 2, 2012 at 2:01pm · Like · 10
Joel Agee David: By "that too is unfindable" I meant the "here" in which the heart is alive.
September 2, 2012 at 2:07pm · Like · 1
David Vardy Joel. Is there a sense of here being 'all front, no back'?
September 2, 2012 at 2:40pm via mobile · Like
Joel Agee No. No front and no back. Omnipresent betters describes it. But where is that?
September 2, 2012 at 2:41pm · Like · 3
Joel Agee "back here" as a default location of awareness is no longer being held. That seems to eliminate "in front" as the field of observation. I'm not "observing" much. Everything happens, including movement, thought, speech. And now sleep. Good night, if night is your time now!
September 2, 2012 at 2:52pm · Like · 8
Joel Agee I feel great fondness for Douglas Harding and his teaching but find it limited and limiting at this point. The experiments set up an Advaita-like duality between "No-self/empty awareness/First Person here" and "phenomena there." The wonderful writing describes Awareness as a vast container in which everything takes place. Always this subtle dualism.
September 3, 2012 at 5:43am · Like · 1
Joel Agee Chris, I think you’re missing part of the point in what Soh is talking about. Some concepts are held to be self-evident, so we never question or even notice them. For instance, in my case until recently, the view that awareness was a) something, and b) somewhere. "Intellectually" I knew better, but in my unconscious organically based felt sense, that was an unquestioned reality until those words in the Kunjed Gyalpo jarred me out of that dream. So it’s not "just words," because words and concepts shape our experience when they are invested with belief. This is true even of simple figures of speech. What Jackson just wrote suggests, for instance, that Douglas’s term “Seeing” is itself misleading if left unexamined.
September 4, 2012 at 12:09am · Unlike · 4
Joel Agee Even the words in the Kunjed Gyalpo are not to be "believed". They just direct the attention to something that is not contained in the words.
September 4, 2012 at 12:12am · Like · 2
Chris Collins I agree, but when clear, there is no such possibity of a belief clouding anything. When the truth is known, beliefs are rendered irrelivent. I don't miss his point as i said, prior to nondual clarity there are many misconceptions.
September 4, 2012 at 12:13am · Like · 1
Joel Agee I know what you mean. And I know what nondual clarity is. That's how I know what you mean. Nevertheless, there is no underestimating the tenacity of unconscious bonds. That's what Vipassana is good for. It's not heavy-duty intellectual labor. It's noticing, and then looking more closely.
September 4, 2012 at 12:19am · Unlike · 3
Joel Agee I was just going to add that I don't believe in God.
December 6, 2012 at 9:29am · Like
Joel Agee "I Am" is one of the names of God. I don't believe in that either. There is a great joyful doubt that works like a centrifuge whirling away concepts. I love that self-generating energy of clearing in the mental realm.
December 6, 2012 at 9:33am · Like
Joel Agee The ocean-and-waves distinction collapses when awareness recognizes itself as identical with experience. The ocean is the waves.
December 7, 2012 at 3:12am · Like · 1
Joel Agee Even to say "awareness recognizes itself as experience" or "awareness appears as experience" juggles two separate terms. At any moment there's just "this."
December 7, 2012 at 3:20am · Like · 4
Joel Agee Jackson, I find it impossible to believe any formulation that takes the form "I am x." Even "I am" doesn't withstand scrutiny.
December 21, 2012 at 4:41am · Unlike · 4
Joel Agee: Appearances are Self-Illuminating
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Joel Agee I will try to describe what it is that rings true for me in Thusness’s words. I don’t have a theoretical preference for the early Buddhist teachings over the later ones, including Dzogchen. In fact I know very little about the Pali Canon. My approach isn’t conceptual or theoretical at all. I look directly into the nature of my own consciousness in silent, objectless sitting meditation – shikantaza if you will. Whatever doesn’t meet the test of direct experience holds no lasting interest for me.
Until fairly recently, the metaphor of the mirror and its reflections seemed a fitting image of my contemplative experience: that there is an unchanging, ever-present, imperturbable awareness that is the absolute ground and the very substance of phenomena, and that while this motionless, contentless awareness-presence is inseparable from the ceaseless coming and going of appearances, it also transcends everything that shows up, remaining untouched, unstained, absolute and indestructible.
A couple of years ago I discovered Soh’s blog, Awakening to Reality, and in it Soh’s account of his exploration of the Bahiya Sutta and the Zen Priest Alex Weith’s report on his realization of Anatta through practical application of the Bahiya Sutta. I saw then that Anatta was not fully realized in my experience. The illusory nature of a separate unchanging personal self had been seen through, but an unconscious identification with “Awareness” or “rigpa” had taken its place.
Since then, an unstoppable deconstruction of that impersonal background identity has been happening in my contemplation and in my daily life. There is still a noticeable attachment to the memory of that subtle Home Base. It shows up as a tendency to "lean back" from the unpredictable brilliance and dynamism of the moment into a static, subtly blissful background presence. But there is no longer a belief in an Awareness that is anything other than, or greater than, or deeper than, THIS sound, THIS smile or stirring of emotion, THIS glance of light. There is no Mirror that is not the reflections.
So the shift in my experience and practice is not a preference for one teaching over another. It’s an ongoing realization that direct contact with the grain and texture of moment-by-moment experience is what Dogen meant by “being awakened by the ten thousand things.”
January 2 at 3:20am · Unlike · 6
Joel Agee Jackson, it's true that seeking ends with the recognition of rigpa. There is nowhere further to go, and there's no deeper truth to ferret out. I agree it is an immediate insight, not a gradual acquisition of understanding. And yes, it involves no self-belief. But what doesn't necessarily end and often passes unnoticed is the unconscious habit of locating oneself in a kind of pseudo-rigpa that subtly separates "awareness" from "phenomena." That persists, or maybe more accurately, it recurs when the crystal clarity of rigpa is intermittent, not stable. That was my experience, and I have observed this tendency in others. That is why I have found the instructions of the Bahiya Sutta helpful.
January 2 at 6:29am · Like · 2
Joel Agee Yes, it does help. "Thought-free rigpa" doesn't mean the cessation of thought, only the cessation of Namtok. Otherwise it would not be possible to speak or write in the natural state.
Continued in link
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......

 

Mr. AP 


Post stage 5, a universal mind is seen through as false reification. Meaning, we reject such advaita notions of a monist universal mind/consciousness as a true self, nor do we accept a theistic notion of an external creator like the dualists or monotheists. We have elaborated a lot on this before so unless you wish for url references which I can provide (such as https://www.awakeningtoreality.com/2018/12/the-tendency-to-extrapolate-universal.html or https://www.awakeningtoreality.com/2021/08/no-universal-mind.html )


Nonetheless if you wish to call the mind (personal) or potentiality god, that is ok (although I am not often inclined to use this term unless it suits a specific audience), although it is an empty convention as per what Acarya Malcolm also wrote:


“And this so-called "god" aka basis [gzhi] is just a nonexistent mere appearance, that is, our primordial potentiality also has no real existence, which is stated over and over again in countless Dzogchen tantras.


For those whom emptiness is possible, everything is possible.

For those whom emptiness is not possible, nothing is possible.


-- Nāgārjuna.



...


Malcolm: This is completely inconsistent with the view of Dzogchen. The view of Dzogchen is that there is no basis or foundation at all. Also the doctrine of the two truths is absent in Dzogchen. Further, the view of Dzogchen is that everything, including buddhahood is completely equivalent to an illusion and therefore, uniform.


https://www.dharmawheel.net/viewtopic.php?p=649959#p649959 “


——


The Heap of Jewels Tantra states:


From the nonexistent empty source of phenomena the primordial Adibuddha has always turned the wheel of Dharma as the intrinsic sound of empty dharmata through the special pristine consciousness of vidya without a beginning, middle, or an end.


——


Also, John Tan and I like this, very clear:


Malcolm’s translation of Longchenpa:


don de nges par rtogs 'dod na

dpe ni nam mkha' lta bur btag

don ni chos nyid skye ba med

rtags ni sems nyid 'gag pa med


If one wishes to ascertain the meaning of that,

the example is to examine "space-like."

The meaning is nonarising dharmatā. 

The proof is the unceasing mind-essence.


In the commentary on this last line, the Chos dbying mdzod is cited:


"The proof is arising as anything at all from the potential (rtsal).

At the time of arising, there is no place of arising and no agent of arising.

If one examines the mere name, 'arising,' it is like space,

including everything in a great, impartial uniformity.


——


The Dalai Lama also wrote before:


“I do not mean chat there exists somewhere, there, a sort of collective clear light, analogous to the non-Buddhist concept of Brahma as a substratum. We must not be inclined to deify this luminous space. We must understand that when we speak of ultimate or inherent clear light, we are speaking on an individual level.”



——



Mr. AP 


Devotion to a deity is ok like I wrote about Tara. 


https://www.awakeningtoreality.com/2024/02/tara-and-manifestation.html


And there are many levels of deity practice, from kriya to maha and anu and ati yoga. The perspective and practice gets subtler and more profound the higher up you go.


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Soh Wei Yu
 You call devotion "okay" and I am saying it's crucial (for a
well-balanced realization). I'm not trying to change your mind about
this either, since I know you have your own path. But I still consider
it an oversight.

3h
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Soh Wei Yu
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Mr. AP  depends on person. I would not say it is an absolute necessity.
Acarya Malcolm and ChNN does not present Dzogchen as a devotional path either, it is primarily based on rigpa.
Shakyamuni Buddha also attained full enlightenment without focusing on devotional practices.

3h
3 hours ago


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Soh Wei Yu
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I do Tara practice everyday. I have quite some devotion to Tara if you read my story above.
But, I do not put this as a key practice for everyone. It depends on person.
I shared this with my admins days ago:
I see. I think doing some deity practice or simple ones like the 21 praises to tara may help ward off negative influences.
I
 always have the feeling that buddhas and bodhisattvas are helping me
and had many miraculous encounters (waking state, not psychedelic
induced) including pleasant smells of other realms and telepathic
messages
Just
 the other day i had a really hard time finding a cockroach. For hours
it was hiding from me. Then after chanting the 21 praises i told tara
please let the cockroach come out cos the helper is coming to clean up
my place tomorrow, she is definitely going to kill it. As soon as i
finished that thought, the cockroach ran out towards my direction, so i
used wet tissue to take it out and release into the wild. I felt some
compassion for the cockroach when i saw it
Later
 on i re read the 21 praises and was reminded it mentioned that it wards
 of things like pestilence, negative entities and so on

3h
3 hours ago


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Edited

——-



Mr. AP 


“Buddhism is nothing but replacing the 'Self' in Hinduism with Condition Arising. Keep the clarity, the presence, the luminosity and eliminate the ultimate 'Self', the controller, the supreme. Still you must taste, sense, eat, hear and see Pure Awareness in every authentication. And every authentication is Bliss.” - John Tan, 2004


“Understand immense intelligence not as if someone is there to act and direct, rather as total exertion of the universe to make this moment possible; then all appearances are miraculous and marvelous.” - John Tan, 2012


….


In January 2005, John Tan wrote:


“[19:21] <^john^> learn how to experience emptiness and no-selfness. :)

[19:22] <^john^> this is the only way to liberate.

[19:22] <^john^> not to dwell too deeply into the minor aspect of pure awareness. 

[19:23] <^john^> of late i have been seeing songs and poems relating to the luminosity aspect of Pure Awareness.

[19:23] <^john^> uncreated, original, mirror bright, not lost in nirvana and samsara..etc

[19:23] <^john^> what use is there?

[19:24] <ZeN`n1th> oic...

[19:24] <^john^> we have from the very beginning so and yet lost for countless aeons of lives.

[19:25] <^john^> buddha did not come to tell only about the luminosity aspect of pure awareness.

[19:25] <^john^> this has already been expressed in vedas.

[19:25] <^john^> but it becomes Self.

[19:25] <^john^> the ultimate controller

[19:26] <^john^> the deathless

[19:26] <^john^> the supreme.. etc

[19:26] <^john^> this is the problem.

[19:26] <^john^> this is not the ultimate nature of Pure Awareness.

[19:27] <^john^> for full enlightenment to take place, experience the clarity and emptiness.  That's all.”


    And in March 2006, John Tan said:


    <^john^> the different between hinduism and buddhism is they return to the "I AM" and clings to it.

    <^john^> always "I" as the source.

    <ZeN`n1th> icic

    <^john^> but in buddhism it is being replaced by "emptiness nature", there is a purest, an entity, a stage to be gained or achieved is an illusion.

    <^john^> there is none. No self to be found. No identity to assumed. Nothing attained.

    <ZeN`n1th> oic..

    <^john^> this is truly the All.

    <^john^> so for a teaching that is so thorough and complete, why must it resort back to a "True Self"?

    <ZeN`n1th> hmm but i got a question about just now you say impermanent... but mahayana texts also say tathagathagarbha is permanent right?

    <^john^> yes but for other reasons.

    <ZeN`n1th> what kind of reasons

    <ZeN`n1th> wat you mean

    <^john^> first you must know that there is really a very subtle difference between pure subjectivity and emptiness nature.

    <ZeN`n1th> icic

    <^john^> for one that has experienced in full emptiness nature, does he/she need to create an extra "True Self"?

    <ZeN`n1th> so wat difference

    <ZeN`n1th> no

    <^john^> he already knows and experiences and completely understand the arising cause and conditions of why the "true self" was created...

    <^john^> will he still be confused?

    <^john^> he knows exactly what is happening, the reality of the 'self'.

    <ZeN`n1th> icic..


<^john^> i would say it is due to his compassion to let the other sects have a chance to understand the dharma that he said so.

    <^john^> this is what i think.

    <^john^> but there is no necessity to preach something extra.

    <ZeN`n1th> oic

    <^john^> in light of emptiness nature, "True Self" is not necessary.

    <ZeN`n1th> icic

    <^john^> the so called "purest" is already understood, there is no clinging.

    <^john^> there is hearing, no hearer...etc

    <^john^> is already beyond "True Self".

    <ZeN`n1th> oic

    <^john^> yet it exactly knows the stage of "True Self".

    <^john^> if there is no hearing...then something is wrong.

    <^john^>

    <^john^> but there is hearing but no hearer.

    <ZeN`n1th> hahaha

    <ZeN`n1th> oic

    <^john^> put your time into practice and understanding of no-self and emptiness.

    <^john^>

    <ZeN`n1th> ok


— excerpts from https://www.awakeningtoreality.com/2022/10/buddha-nature-vs-brahman.html




——-


2006:


(9:06 PM) John:    so i said extend it to the six senses, presence without self

(9:06 PM) John:    sound without hearer

(9:06 PM) John:    scenery without seer

(9:06 PM) AEN:    icic..

(9:06 PM) John:    everything to experience and understand anatta

(9:07 PM) AEN:    icic

(9:07 PM) John:    so that "AMness" presence is experienced in all moment without the need to fall back.

(9:07 PM) AEN:    oic

(9:07 PM) John:    how could there be movement then?

(9:08 PM) John:    it is just arising and ceasing

(9:08 PM) John:    because there is no moment that is not so.

(9:08 PM) AEN:    icic

(9:08 PM) AEN:    ya

(9:08 PM) AEN:    that is not wat?

(9:09 PM) John:    that is not arising and ceasing according to conditions and causes

(9:09 PM) John:    emptiness

(9:09 PM) John:    this must be understood after clarity

(9:09 PM) AEN:    oic

(9:10 PM) John:    but there cannot be any movement, because there is no moment that is not like that

(9:10 PM) AEN:    icic

(9:11 PM) John:    then from this complete clarity, emptiness, no movement, yet everything wonderfully arises and ceases, one experiences the spontaneous arising, the self-so, the unconditioned

(9:11 PM) John:    then there is true insight.

(9:11 PM) AEN:    icic..

(9:11 PM) John:    then karma will make sense

(9:12 PM) John:    because of arising without self

(9:12 PM) John:    arises with causes and condition without self

(9:12 PM) John:    therefore be serious about the deeds

(9:12 PM) AEN:    oic..

(9:13 PM) John:    in "AMness", how does karma step in?

(9:13 PM) John:    he will be confused because "AMness" in its ultimate sense is a controller.

(9:13 PM) AEN:    icic

(9:14 PM) John:    all these are words, it is the true experience that is most crucial.


— excerpt from https://www.awakeningtoreality.com/2021/07/this-is-impersonality-aspect-not-anatta.html


2006:



(11:00 PM) John: it rests sort of absorption yet awareness in the moment to moment

(11:01 PM) AEN: icic..

(11:01 PM) John: this is just the beginning of experiencing anatta in the correct sense

(11:01 PM) John: till this experience is stabilized

(11:01 PM) AEN: oic

(11:02 PM) John: then one becomes transparent

(11:02 PM) John: transparency is a very distinct experience

(11:02 PM) AEN: icic..

(11:02 PM) John: it is total vividness, clarity

(11:02 PM) AEN:

<^john^> in fact, ur master would want to experience that pure sensation resulting for differing condition

<^john^> but one should not over do it. :)

(11:03 PM) John: experiencing just the things

(11:03 PM) John: yes...it must come with realisation

(11:03 PM) John: not through will effort

(11:03 PM) AEN: oic

(11:03 PM) John: that is the realisation brings and carries us naturally to this experience

(11:04 PM) John: the realisation and experience of anatta...

(11:04 PM) AEN: icic..

(11:04 PM) John: if we forcefully do it, we will not be able to make it.

(11:04 PM) John: however it is a good practice

(11:05 PM) AEN: oic..

(11:05 PM) John: to reverse the habitual energy of continuous symbolizing

(11:06 PM) AEN: icic..

(11:06 PM) John: once transparency is experienced the first fruition of insight samadhi is experienced.

(11:06 PM) AEN: oic

(11:07 PM) John: this stage is important. :)

(11:07 PM) John: for now, i want to put it more clear to longchen later...

(11:07 PM) AEN: icic..

(11:07 PM) John: the part of stage 5 must be led forward by DO otherwise one will sink back to a source

(11:08 PM) John: very often, this is the case

(11:08 PM) AEN: icic..

(11:09 PM) John: so don't underestimate the simple sentence of "manifestation is the source"

(11:09 PM) AEN: ok

(11:09 PM) John: it is the key to non-duality then lead to DO.

(11:09 PM) AEN: icic..

(11:09 PM) John: it must be DO (dependent origination) that lead one out of the source.

(11:09 PM) AEN: oic..

(11:10 PM) John: then all broken pieces will slowly fall into place

(11:10 PM) John: otherwise we will have all those funny theories like reality is lila

(11:10 PM) John: a game plot of God.

(11:10 PM) AEN: oic

(11:10 PM) John: :)

(11:11 PM) John: that is because causes and conditions is not understood

(11:11 PM) AEN: icic..

(11:11 PM) John: and how awareness becomes causes and conditions

(11:11 PM) AEN: oic

(11:12 PM) John: when luminosity-emptiness is experienced in its total state, then it is dharmakaya

(11:12 PM) AEN: icic..

(11:12 PM) John: by experiencing the luminosity aspect itself is not enough

(11:13 PM) AEN: oic

(11:13 PM) John: it is at best not to tok about transcendental body

(11:13 PM) AEN: lol ok

(11:14 PM) John: and should not confuse ppl unnecessarily

(11:14 PM) AEN: icic..

(11:15 PM) John: actually my intention of toking about stage 5, manifestation is the source is only to longchen initially

(11:16 PM) John: and later JonLS.

(11:16 PM) AEN: oic..

(11:16 PM) John: not to others as it will only confuse them

(11:16 PM) AEN: icic

(11:17 PM) John: do u know that longchen almost gave up once?

(11:17 PM) AEN: haha how come

(11:17 PM) AEN: when

(11:17 PM) John: forgotten. :P

(11:17 PM) AEN: o i remember something like he doesnt want to be liberated.. or something

(11:17 PM) John: yeah

(11:17 PM) AEN: lol

(11:17 PM) AEN: icic

(11:17 PM) AEN: i remember

(11:18 PM) John: cause the time is not right and it will only have reverse effect



—-


2006:



(11:44 AM) John: there is another danger about just having the experience of our luminosity and anatta without placing emphasis on our emptiness nature.

(11:44 AM) John: life becomes just a manifestation of the divine

(11:44 AM) John: and the divine becomes like damn great...

(11:44 AM) AEN: oic..

(11:44 AM) John: actually the divine cannot do anything...lol

(11:44 AM) John: that is why there is never an 'I'. :P

(11:45 AM) AEN: icic..

(11:45 AM) John: and action is karma.

(11:45 AM) AEN: oic

(11:45 AM) John: and unwholesome action results in suffering

(11:45 AM) John: this must be known

(11:45 AM) AEN: icic..

(11:46 AM) John: i think this will gradually evolve and unfold.


——-


Mr. AP the texts i pasted is not pointing to devotion but how to overcome wrong reification of a source


——


Mr. AP devotion is more important for theistic and faith based paths like christianity.


For buddhism, wisdom is primary and key to liberation. Devotion is secondary but can still be an important factor of the path. Faith is an important factor even in the Theravada path and plays an even more crucial role in Mahayana and Vajrayana paths, although to varying degrees and is dependent on the type of practice involved.


But if you are of the highest calibre and can actualize self liberation all the time (and I am not saying this about myself) like Samantabhadra, you can be liberated without even the slightest devotion or virtue involved.


———-


Mr. AP ...At that moment do not be afraid of the yellow light, luminous and clear, sharp and bright, but recognize it as wisdom. Let your mind rest in it, relaxed, in a state of nonaction, and be drawn to it with longing. If you recognize it as the natural radiance of your own mind, even though you do not feel devotion and do not say the inspiration-prayer, all the forms and lights and rays will merge inseparably with you, and you will attain enlightenment...

~ Padmasambhava"


https://www.awakeningtoreality.com/2018/08/fearless-samadhi.html


Failing this recognition, down the bardo stages the practitioner is advised to have devotion and pray for rebirth in pure land based on a deity (like Amitabha) if I recall.


——-



Mr. AP 


Devotion is also important when you are practicing surrendering to a higher power. But as I wrote before, such practices are pre anatta practices and only lead to impersonality. That is one of the four aspects of I AM to be refined post the I AM realization.


Post anatta practice takes different form but you can still practice devotion.


“2009: 


(9:50 PM) AEN: icic..

but thats a form of practice rite

like surrendering

(9:50 PM) Thusness: nope

(9:51 PM) Thusness: surrendering requires u to have higher power

(9:51 PM) Thusness: requires to identify a higher subject for u to surrender to

it is an object of practice

(9:52 PM) AEN: oic..

(9:52 PM) Thusness: experience whatever is requires non-dual as pre-requisite

(9:52 PM) Thusness: there is just this empty luminosity

it is already whatever is

anything dual is not it

(9:53 PM) AEN: icic..

(9:53 PM) AEN: i remember david carse was saying surrendering is the way to experience non dual

something like that

(9:53 PM) Thusness: then it is surrendering

(9:53 PM) AEN: but he din say to a higher power or anything i tink

(9:54 PM) Thusness: whatever arises is mind that is why it is direct experience

(9:54 PM) Thusness: it is the highest form of insight

(9:54 PM) Thusness: u don't call surrendering self liberation

don't any mixed up

(9:56 PM) Thusness: when i experience whatever is, i breathe hard, i breathe soft, i rub my hands and legs

(9:56 PM) Thusness: what has that got to do with surrendering

surrender to what?

i eat, i blink my eyes

(9:56 PM) Thusness: what has that got to do with surrendering

don't anyhow say

(9:57 PM) AEN: oic..

(9:57 PM) Thusness: totally different

i walk, i jump

(9:57 PM) Thusness: all experiences are the ground

(9:58 PM) Thusness: all vividly present and spontaneous 'there'

carry water chop wood

(9:58 PM) Thusness: are all just marvellous activities

this is experiencing whatever arises

(9:59 PM) Thusness: nothing to do with surrendering

(9:59 PM) AEN: icic..

(9:59 PM) Thusness: swallowing saliva

(9:59 PM) Thusness: don't talk about spontaneous perfection

(10:00 PM) Thusness: it is because the mind is already non-dual and deep realisation that all is already the ground based on these 2 insights, all experiences becomes that

(10:01 PM) Thusness: because one has already penetrated to the deepest most of insight that is why he can in all actions and movements, he is one with Tao.

(10:01 PM) AEN: oic..

(10:01 PM) Thusness: not because there is something to surrender to, that is to the liberated still a form of illusion.

(10:01 PM) Thusness: but as a skilful means of practice.

(10:03 PM) Thusness: what i told u is to tell u that it is wrong to say that but i don't want u to go tell ppl it is like that

(10:03 PM) Thusness: this is the problem with sentient being

(10:03 PM) Thusness: what said and advice is not followed but what told not to say is spoken

(10:04 PM) Thusness: ended up misleading ppl

like zen

(10:04 PM) Thusness: becomes mouth talk and a path of highest profundity becomes mouth talk

(10:04 PM) AEN: icic..

(10:04 PM) Thusness: don't do that

(10:04 PM) AEN: ok

(10:06 PM) AEN: wat do u tink about this:

(10:07 PM) AEN: "Finally, ultimately, the surrender and the Understanding are the same, even if they are apparently, in perception or experience, separated chronologically. The very concept of 'the total Understanding' necessarily includes surrendering for it begins with the willingness, "Thy will be done", and ends in seeing that one is not."

(10:08 PM) AEN: by david carse

(10:09 PM) Thusness: that is surrendering the self when the self is not thoroughly seen through

it is a way of practice



—-




“Session Start: Saturday, 5 June, 2010


(11:27 PM) Thusness:    certainty of being when you focus on the 4 aspects till the peak and with right understanding, you will also have the same experience as anatta and emptiness. when you felt that the will of the source becomes your will, you become life itself, that is the same experience. actually all is the same experience except that buddhism provides the right understanding. in the experience of "I AM" and the article you posted about the divine, what is the peak of experience phase?

(11:48 PM) AEN:    which article about divine?

Hmm im not sure

(11:49 PM) Thusness:    the article about the source after "I AM"

(11:50 PM) AEN:    is it like the 'sacred will of the world'

i mean the peak of experience

(11:51 PM) Thusness:    after glimpses and realization of the source, when the divine will becomes your will. you must be able to experience every manifestation as the grace of divine will. so must understand this in terms of direct experience and right view. :) i will talk to you when we meet. do you know why there is the sensation of a 'divine will'?

(11:57 PM) AEN:    bcos the sense of self is being let go... and its seen that everything is spontaneously arising from the source

(11:58 PM) Thusness:    and what is this 'source' that seems to be doing the work?

(11:59 PM) AEN:    consciousness, life?

(11:59 PM) Thusness:    isn't "I AM" the consciousness?

(12:00 AM) AEN:    ya but at the beginning it still feels like an individuated sense of presence... but then later its seen as more impersonal, like everything is merely the expression of the source

(12:00 AM) Thusness:    first you must understand the separation is due to dualistic thought, thought separates. do you know what is the 'divine' will? the sensation due to "the sense of self is being let go... and its seen that everything is spontaneously arising from the source" causes the 'divine will'

(12:02 AM) AEN:    oic..

(12:03 AM) Thusness:    what is the divine will?

(12:03 AM) AEN:    it means its happening due to the divine source, nothing is happening due to an individual will/agent/doer

(12:04 AM) Thusness:    when someone hit the bell, anything due to divine will?

(12:05 AM) AEN:    its also divine will bcos there is ultimately no separate person who acts, and no separate person who experience.. everything is manifested by the divine will... including every action that is spontaneously arising

(12:05 AM) Thusness:    when someone hit the bell, anything so divine?

(12:05 AM) AEN:    it’s a manifestation of consciousness

(12:05 AM) Thusness:    no good no good. because of the lack of understanding of your nature. your nature is empty. what is this divine will? it is just DO [dependent origination]. because we think in terms of entity and the 'weight of this dualistic and inherent' tendencies makes us feel separate and inherent. instead of seeing 'DO', we see it as divine will. not knowing empty nature, we mistaken DO for divine will. not knowing no-self nature, we thought we are independent. when no-self is fully experienced and insight of anatta rises, you do not feel source as separated from 'you'

there is merely manifestation, empty luminosity. empty as in DO and therefore does not require 'divine will', yet all manifests due to empty nature, effortless and spontaneous. there is conditions that are required for manifestations. a 'divine will' is not necessary

(12:11 AM) AEN:    icic..

(12:12 AM) Thusness:    when a practitioner realizes no-self and anatta insight arises, he clearly sees conditions. there is no divine will to listen to, but whenever condition is, manifestation is. slowly understand this.  do not see DO as something dead. see it as direct manifestation of your breathe just like you experience everything as the grace of this divine will. feel this grace of life everywhere. letting go of yourself completely and feel this life

(12:18 AM) AEN:    oic.. i am writing my experience to lzls lol

(5:36 PM) Thusness:    Lol.  In Chinese


(6:12 PM) Thusness:    the second experience is more of 天地同根,万物同体. (tian di tong gen, wan wu tong ti: heaven and earth have one root, ten thousand phenomena have the same substance)

(6:12 PM) Thusness:    clouded by '我相' (wo xiang, self image, egoity)

(6:12 PM) AEN:    what do you mean

(6:13 PM) Thusness:    means the second experience is more of a realization on the same source.

much like ?

(6:13 PM) AEN:    oic..

why you said clouded by wo xiang

(6:15 PM) Thusness:     (xiang, image) is simply a construct.  That is from a dualistic point of view, being 'connected' must always be the case.  When you de-contruct personality, you merely discover. a practitioner must also be aware of the 'weight' of these constructs. from an empty point of view, when the tendency is there, it is also not right to say that the interconnected state is always there, always the case.  Obviously 'you' are not 'connected'. when the 'construct' is strong, there is no such experience or when the 'personality' is there, there is no experience of '万物同体' (everything has the same substance/source).  Or 'personality' is that very experience of individuality and therefore cannot have any experience of same 'source'. get it?

(6:19 PM) AEN:    ic.. ya

(6:19 PM) Thusness:    the former does not realize the causes and conditions for any arising. when we say it is always 'there' we are having 'absolute view'.  If we cling to that, then that will prevent clear seeing.  So what is the experience of 'individuality' like?  it is the very experience of what practitioner before the 'connection' feel and understand. that is a state of reality, cannot be said to be determined or not.

(6:21 PM) AEN:    oic.. what you mean by that is a state of reality cannot be said to be determined or not

(6:22 PM) AEN:    hmm i think i get what you mean. so one must deconstruct the individuality otherwise there is no feeling of connection

(6:22 PM) Thusness:    yes. for personality is the very state of individuality. what i want you to understand is not to have a pre-determined state.

(6:26 PM) AEN:    ic... that means according to conditions we experience the connection, but its not always there?

(6:27 PM) Thusness:    yes it is better to understand that way


(6:28 PM) Thusness:    now when you experience certainty of being, you only experience the undeniability of your existence. doubtless, certain and present. but being connected to the source is different. it will also determine your later phase of practice. if you are attached to the Presence, what happened?

(6:31 PM) AEN:    hmm. you mean when you are attached to Presence you will have difficulty seeing the connection?

(6:31 PM) Thusness:    you wanted the state of Presence to transcend to the 3 states (waking, dreaming and sleeping) for you are only interested in that Certainty of Being. whereas when you realized the source, you don't do that. you are surrendering much like the christian. you are devoting. nothing is important besides serving the divine. sustaining the state of presence and devoting to a divine source is different. you sleep when it is time to sleep. whatever thy will is. in Presence, you still think of control, in surrendering, you realized you are being lived. Awareness is being done. it is almost the opposite, but then there is also the integration

(6:35 PM) AEN:    oic.. Actually i think if we let go of control completely the presence is also naturally there, there is no need to try to control presence

(6:36 PM) Thusness:    if you think that, that becomes a hindrance

(6:36 PM) AEN:    oic how come

(6:36 PM) Thusness:    coz you are torn in between. you are serving 2 masters. :P Presence and source. but then there is also the integration where divine will becomes your will. then in jacob ladder meditation, after realization and experience of the grace, it must be found everywhere. therefore you return to phase 1 of the ladder with new understanding. you are directly and intuitively experiencing all manifestations as the expression of life. where you and the divine become one, where phenomena and the divine becomes indistinguishable, as transient, as inner and outer world

(6:40 PM) AEN:    oic..

(6:40 PM) Thusness:    however that is because we are trying to express and understand this in an inherent and dualistic way. we speak in such a way because we are using a dualistic paradigm.  and the experience seems difficult to reconcile and become seamless. so you must arise insight. you realized, what you call Self/self is just a label. this is very difficult to understand. then you are not trapped in 'reconnection' or surrendering. 


You realized there is no-self (Soh: Thusness Stage 4 and 5). whatever experienced is vividly present and aliveness everywhere because what that 'blocks' is no more there through the arising insight. now how clear are you in directly experiencing sensation? in experiencing sound, color, sight, taste? the mind at present is more interested in the behind reality. so anatta transform the experience of individuality through insight, clear seeing. there is a difference in saying what you call Awareness has always been sight, sound, the scent of fragrance… and there is Awareness and there is sound, sight, taste… when you see and mature your insight of anatta, it is realized that wrong view is what that is causing the problem. however after that, you must practice directly

(6:48 PM) AEN:    what do you mean practice directly

(6:48 PM) Thusness:    means you don't think theoretically too much after the arising insight of anatta, there is a difference between thinking that a Weather truly exist and the changing clouds, the rain exist inside weather. get it? so when you took that to be real, it creates the problem of reification and intensifying the inherent existence of Self. if there is no-weight to the constructs, then there would be no problem. unfortunately, constructs are like spells. :)

(6:51 PM) AEN:    oic..

(6:52 PM) Thusness:    do you get what i meant? just experience first. feel this aliveness everywhere. in other words, what you realized is beyond ? (xiang4: [imputed] appearance), but you do not understand the impact of ? (xiang4: [imputed] appearance). anyway you can send your article to your lzls for comments. :)” - June, 2010




——


Mr. AP also the key to anatta is not just “not reifying source”


This is crucial:


2006


(10:55 PM) John: all along, the manifestation is really the source

(10:55 PM) AEN: icic..

(10:55 PM) John: once the extra source that is the habitual energy is given up, Presence is felt everywhere in all arising and ceasing

(10:56 PM) AEN: oic..

(10:56 PM) John: that is from moment to moment, Presence is experienced in varying conditions

(10:56 PM) AEN: icic..

(10:57 PM) John: from blinking eyes...moment to moment...in raising legs, standing up, feet touching ground...moment to moment...presence that is stage 1 is experience in all  

phenomena arising and ceasing

(10:57 PM) John: only the thinking, the hearing, the seeing...

(10:57 PM) John: moment to moment

(10:57 PM) AEN: oic..

(10:57 PM) John: conditions shifts and changes

(10:58 PM) AEN: icic..

(10:58 PM) John: this must be very thorough then the luminosity-emptiness without sinking back to a Source can be experienced

(10:58 PM) John: this is the whole purpose of mindfulness

(10:58 PM) AEN: oic..

(10:59 PM) John: but it becomes tedious for a mind that has not experience no-self or stage 5

(10:59 PM) AEN: icic...

(10:59 PM) John: but to a person that has experienced stage 5, he wants to know even the minutest details

(10:59 PM) John: of every single moment...this i told u before right?



——


Mr. AP 


Spend not even a thought moment for the source and dwell completely into the incredible realness of the phenomenal world (along with contemplating the two stanzas of anatta as seal, always already so), then you will breakthrough


2006:


(7:02 PM) John: the manifestation is the source, spend not even a moment of thought for the source.

(7:02 PM) AEN: icic..

(7:03 PM) John: the stage is the real within the apparent

(7:03 PM) AEN: oic...

(7:03 PM) AEN: eh

(7:04 PM) John: i think i wrote to u about telling longchen to dissolve the self in the incredible realness of the phenomenon

world right?

(7:04 PM) AEN: they never write correctly i tink

(7:04 PM) AEN: icic..

(7:04 PM) AEN: yea

(7:04 PM) AEN: by PM right?

(7:05 PM) John: hm...yeah....i wrote him another pm after he has a glimpse of it.

(7:05 PM) AEN: oh not sure whether u sent me

(7:05 PM) John: What about the unmanifested is the manifest?

(7:05 PM) John: din send u. :P

(7:05 PM) AEN: oic

(7:05 PM) AEN: manifest is unborn?

(7:05 PM) AEN: all dharmas are unborn

(7:06 PM) John: --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Unmanifested is the manifestation,

The no-thing of everything,

Completely still yet ever flowing,

This is the spontaneous arising nature of the source.

Simply Self-So.

Use self-so to overcome conceptualization.

Dwell completely into the incredible realness of the phenomenal world.

(7:06 PM) John: the last sentence is very important.

(7:06 PM) AEN: o icic

(7:07 PM) John: when is the part i told him about just the happening and spend not even a thought moment for the source?




——


2006:


(10:48 PM) John: when the mind turns away from the source and focus on manifestation, it forgoes images and realises its intimate relationship btw with the arising and ceasing

(10:48 PM) AEN: oic..

(10:48 PM) John: however it is not entirely clear yet due to habitual energy though the glimpse is strong

(10:48 PM) John: that it is the reality

(10:48 PM) John: but it is still not clear.

(10:48 PM) AEN: oic

(10:48 PM) John: this is a crucial state

(10:48 PM) John: very crucial in fact

(10:49 PM) John: in either sinking back to a source as in the advaita or buddhism anatta



…That is why “Manifestation is the Source” is crucial. When effort is not diverted to ‘returning to a source’  

which is another ‘karmic doing’, the mind cease

(11:22 PM) AEN: icic..

(11:23 PM) John: the mind ceases to be anything but only this the ever arising and ceasing phenomena that manifest according to causes and conditions. Then the initial experience of 

Pure Presence must be experienced in every moment of Arising and Ceasing in all its diversities and manifolds.

(11:23 PM) John: I refuse to talk about the One Reality for fear that it is mistaken as the Eternal Witness before the experience of no-self and emptiness nature due to the similarity 

in descriptions.

What is the crucial condition that gives rise to the experience of All is the One Reality?

(11:23 PM) John: It is the intense moment-to-moment experience of Presence in all manifestation that gives rise to this understanding. That is, it is the vivid Presence in All 

Phenomena Arising without entry and exit that serve as the condition. All descriptions pale when compared to the actual experience.

(11:24 PM) John: It is the same initial experience of Presence except that now it is experienced as the phenomena itself. This is the condition for the arising of noble wisdom to know 

our true nature. This is the transparency of the ‘Self’ that gives rise to wisdom to see the Dharmakaya -- The body of truth.

(11:24 PM) John: With the stability of this experience, it gives birth to the Transcendent Body that is characterized by blissfulness, clarity, vividness and vitality as the first 

level of fruition. There is no ending to this experience. May you experience the full truth of Dharma.

 

 

----

 

Soh Wei Yu
Admin
Group expert
Someone asked me about a guru that focuses on devotion and surrender. I replied,
"entirely different path imo.
and people like to project their gurus are deeply realized or attained full enlightenment (but of course it is not the same as the sort of buddha's enlightenment, even if they may think otherwise).
those types of teachers are like bhakti, hugging saint amma etc
they may be self realized but its far diffferent from the path of prajna wisdom found in buddhism (not to be mistaken as the path of jnana in sanatana dharma, which also only leads to self-realization)
it is precisely because they cannot give rise to prajna wisdom that they need to resort to all these means to forgo self. but it is not thorough and not the same as the anatta realization that severs self/Self, then with further penetration all self and phenomena are realized to be name-only and this emptiness/non-arisen nature of all named phenomena is furthermore realized to be the very nature of illusory presencing appearance, and the thorough insight into the union of dependent arising and emptiness.
which is why john said,
"John Tan's reply on something Malcolm wrote in 2020:
“This is like what I tell you and essentially emphasizing 明心非见性. 先明心, 后见性. (Soh: Apprehending Mind is not seeing [its] Nature. First apprehend Mind, later realise [its] Nature).
First is directly authenticating mind/consciousness 明心 (Soh: Apprehending Mind). There is the direct path like zen sudden enlightenment of one's original mind or mahamudra or dzogchen direct introduction of rigpa or even self enquiry of advaita -- the direct, immediate, perception of "consciousness" without intermediaries. They are the same.
However that is not realization of emptiness. Realization of emptiness is 见性 (Soh: Seeing Nature). Imo there is direct path to 明心 (Soh: Apprehending Mind) but I have not seen any direct path to 见性 (Soh: Seeing Nature) yet. If you go through the depth and nuances of our mental constructs, you will understand how deep and subtle the blind spots are.
Therefore emptiness or 空性 (Soh: Empty Nature) is the main difference between buddhism and other religions. Although anatta is the direct experiential taste of emptiness, there is still a difference between buddhist's anatta and selflessness of other religions -- whether it is anatta by experiential taste of the dissolution of self alone or the experiential taste is triggered by wisdom of emptiness.
The former focused on selflessness and whole path of practice is all about doing away with self whereas the latter is about living in the wisdom of emptiness and applying that insight and wisdom of emptiness to all phenomena.
As for emptiness there is the fine line of seeing through inherentness of Tsongkhapa and there is the emptiness free from extremes by Gorampa. Both are equally profound so do not talk nonsense and engaged in profane speech as in terms of result, ultimately they are the same (imo).”
Dalai Lama - "Nature - there are many different levels. Conventional level, one nature. There are also, you see, different levels. Then, ultimate level, ultimate reality... so simply realise the Clarity of the Mind, that is the conventional level. That is common with Hindus, like that. So we have to know these different levels...." - Dalai Lama on Anatta and Emptiness of Buddha Nature in New Book""
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 Tyler Jones

Top contributor
I completely agree that there are other dimensions to the spiritual path than the insights that the AtR model maps so well. (At the very least, those who believe in Buddhist maps will admit that arhatship or full Buddhahood is about more than this.) There are at least two different qualities that I want to tease out that are intertwined in your post: Unconditional-universal love and devotion. Devotion as a spiritual path is using the emotion of devotion directed toward something higher as rocket fuel for your path. One of my teachers speaks on the potential power of the devotional path, but clarifies that you have to have a certain disposition to follow it. It's no for everyone, in particular, it's not his path, and it doesn't seem that it was the path of the Buddha. Unconditional, universal love does not necessarily include this quality of devotion, but you don't need a certain disposition to access and make use of it. It can take you into jhana/samadhi territory and is recommend by the Buddha for numerous reasons as beneficial for the path.
Aditya Prasad
Author
Top contributor
Tyler Jones Thanks for making this clarification. I find them to be closely related, even inseparable. The more I orient toward the intrinsic unconditional love of reality, the more my heart spontaneously opens to it in deep devotion. It appears to me that deeper knowledge about the "whys" and "hows" of reality creation is somehow connected to the development of this quality. I only bring it up now because I've recently spoken to a couple of other AtR members (who unlike me have deep insight per AtR) who have noticed something similar.
Soh Wei Yu
Admin
Group expert
+1
Tyler Jones You are right. Buddha did not follow a path of devotion based on what I've read and he also did not teach a path of devotion in his early teachings. He did however teach metta (loving kindness), and it will be able to lead to the sort of experience Aditya is eluding to. And yes indeed, in my limited experience with metta practice, it leads to a love that emanates and pervades from the heart chakra which leads to all pervading piti/bliss and jhana. A somewhat different flavor from for example, anapanasati induced jhana.
I have not read this book but it might be relevant:
The Heart of Unconditional Love: A Powerful New Approach to Loving-Kindness Meditation Paperback – Illustrated, March 31, 2015
by Tulku Thondup (Author)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 50 ratings
See all formats and editions
A new, four-stage approach to the popular Buddhist practice known as loving-kindness meditation, with the aim of finding unconditional love in our own hearts, in our relationships, and in our perception of the world around us.
The unconditional love that we all long for—in our own lives and in the world around us—can be awakened effectively with this unique approach to the Tibetan Buddhist practice of loving-kindness meditation. Tulku Thondup gives detailed guidance for meditation, prayers, and visualization in four simple stages that can be practiced in as little as thirty minutes a session. The four-stage format is a brand-new approach being presented for the first time in English, distilled from the author's lifelong study and practice of authentic, traditional teachings.
What if we could experience not only our own body, mind, and heart as a boundless source of loving-kindness, but every particle of the world around us as a beautiful realm filled with the blessing energies of the Buddhas and their celestial abodes? The whole environment would become a miraculous display of unconditional love, wisdom, and power, accompanied by the sweet music of holy prayers and inspirational teachings. This is not just a dream or a fantasy but an effective meditation practice that can bring relief from stress, healing to mind and body, healthier relationships, and a positive new outlook on the world around you.
Loving-kindness meditations are a highly effective way to generate positive causation, bring true peace and love into our lives, and release ourselves from habitual suffering. When we train ourselves to desire the happiness and well-being of others, with the unconditional love of a mother who cares wholeheartedly for her little ones, we find our whole world pervaded by the positive qualities of joy, peace, and beauty. The training can be compared to sunbathing. As our body absorbs the sun's heat, it becomes warm and gradually emanates that warmth into our surroundings. In the same way, through devotion and trust in the Buddha of Loving-Kindness, we immerse our mind in his unconditional love, which we then radiate to those around us.
The Heart of Unconditional Love presents this meditation in a new, four-stage format distilled from the author's lifelong study and practice of authentic, traditional teachings. The meditation can be practiced in as little as thirty minutes a session:
• In the Outer Buddha Stage, we open our heart with trust and devotion to the Buddha of Loving-Kindness and enjoy his unconditional love.
• In the Inner Buddha Stage, we experience the Buddha's unconditional love within and for ourselves.
• In the Universal Buddha Stage, we learn to see, hear, and feel the world around us as a blessed realm of unconditional love.
• In the Ultimate Buddha Stage, we rest in the awareness of unconditional love free from conceptual thinking.
Designed to be accessible to newcomers as well as experienced meditators, this presentation is a brand-new approach to loving-kindness meditation, being published in English for the first time.
The Heart of Unconditional Love: A Powerful New Approach to Loving-Kindness Meditation
AMAZON.COM
The Heart of Unconditional Love: A Powerful New Approach to Loving-Kindness Meditation
The Heart of Unconditional Love: A Powerful New Approach to Loving-Kindness Meditation
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Soh


 Buddha's Relics from the Maitreya Project Tour:

A friend asked me about this topic, so I used ChatGPT to translate an article from Master Shen Kai's Fa Yu Bin Fen (1) (A Splendor of Dharma Discourses (1))"  

Chinese original below.

Also, see John Tan's comments on Sariras in 2007 below.

 

*On Śarīra (Relics)*

"Śarīra" (舍利子) is indeed a miraculous and spiritual phenomenon. Although it is material in form, it can also be said to transcend the material realm. These relics are found only in the remains of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and eminent monks who have attained great spiritual realization. Even devout disciples of the Buddha, regardless of gender, who have cultivated deeply, may also have śarīra. Typically, these relics are discovered after a practitioner's body has been cremated, appearing among the ashes as many colorful, crystalline objects resembling beads or small seeds. Remarkably, these relics cannot be melted by intense heat, dissolved by moisture, damaged by high pressure, and they remain indestructible over vast periods of time.

It is curious that not all Buddhists possess śarīra. Those who have not engaged in proper spiritual cultivation, even if they are Buddhists, do not manifest these relics, just like those who do not follow Buddhism. There are many religions in the world, but why do the founders, missionaries, and followers of other religions not produce śarīra? The fact that these relics are found exclusively in genuine practitioners of the Buddha Dharma and not in those who follow non-Buddhist paths underscores their uniqueness. Moreover, the quantity of śarīra can be used as a measure of one’s level of spiritual attainment—the more profound the practice, the more śarīra one produces. If a person has accumulated merit and virtue over many lifetimes, the amount of śarīra is not only abundant, but their color and luster are exceptionally beautiful and exhibit astonishing phenomena.

According to Buddhist scriptures, when Śākyamuni Buddha entered Nirvāṇa, it is recorded: "At that time, the golden coffin rose from its seat, ascended to the height of seven palm trees, and traversed the sky, transforming into a fire of samādhi. In an instant, it turned to ashes, producing eight hu and four dou of śarīra, like five-colored pearls, radiant and indestructible." According to this account, one hu equals ten dou, resulting in a total of eighty-four dou. The eight great kings and the disciples of the Buddha then divided the śarīra among themselves, constructing stupas to enshrine and venerate them. Besides the portion kept in the human realm, some were enshrined in the dragon palaces and in the heavens. Furthermore, when the Buddha's chief disciple, Ānanda, was about to enter Nirvāṇa, his body ascended into the air, self-cremating in a blaze of fire, and along the banks of the Ganges, śarīra fell like rain from the sky.

Not only in ancient times but also in modern times, such as when the Buddhist leader Master Taixu passed away during the Republican era, more than four hundred pieces of śarīra were found after his cremation. Similarly, when the Pure Land patriarch Master Yinguang passed away, several hundred śarīra were discovered. Many other eminent monks also left behind śarīra. Particularly noteworthy is the case of the 46th year of the Republic of China when the Panchen Lama passed away in Taipei; his śarīra numbered seven to eight thousand, including the most precious Vajra Gems and Six-Syllable Wheels. The larger śarīra were the size of beans, while the smaller ones were like vegetable seeds, with colors ranging in brilliant hues, though the white ones were considered the most excellent.

There have been instances where śarīra were found even without cremation. For example, the great disciple Mahākāśyapa, whose indestructible vajra body remains in meditative absorption within Vulture Peak, waiting to appear at the Dharma assembly when Maitreya Buddha descends to benefit the multitude, before entering parinirvāṇa. Similarly, the bodies of Bodhisattva Kṣitigarbha at Mount Jiuhua, the Sixth Patriarch Huineng at Caoxi during the Tang dynasty, and Master Hanshan during the Ming dynasty, all left behind incorruptible relic bodies that continue to be venerated. The incorruptible bodies of Huineng and Hanshan are still enshrined at Nanhua Temple in Shaoguan, Guangdong. Another example is a Chinese monk in Thailand who passed away in middle age, and his body remains incorrupt to this day in Chengniang, Thailand, where a temple was specially built to enshrine it.

There are many other instances in which the bodies of true practitioners of the Buddha Dharma have become śarīra, including bones, marrow, hair, nails, flesh, and teeth. For example, the skull bone of Master Xuanzang was said to be radiant, and the tongue root of the great translator Kumārajīva did not burn in the fire, all of which are considered śarīra treasures.

Śarīra can also be manifested through spiritual resonance. During the Eastern Wu period of the Three Kingdoms, a minister named Sun Hao, after hearing the Dharma Master Kangsengkai speak about the merits of venerating śarīra, wished to obtain śarīra for veneration. After 49 days of earnest prayer, he suddenly heard a sound from an empty bottle at midnight, and to his amazement, a relic of merit appeared. When the Wu king had a strongman place the śarīra on an iron anvil and strike it with a hammer, the anvil and hammer were both dented, but the śarīra remained unharmed.

There are numerous examples of śarīra being found in modern times. A notable case involves a general named Zhu Ziqiao, who, after devoutly praying at the Xuanzang Pagoda in Xi'an, saw a brick fall from the pagoda, revealing two śarīra attached to it. He subsequently initiated the pagoda's restoration. In Hong Kong, the Venerable Zhumo stated that when he went on pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya in India, a veteran practitioner named Guangqing, who had been worshipping at the Mahabodhi Temple for three years, witnessed śarīra falling from the stupa. He even gifted two śarīra to Zhumo and another lay practitioner.

Moreover, the relics of the 9th Panchen Lama were placed in the mouth of the late nationalist elder, Ju Zhengjue Sheng, upon his death. Surprisingly, the number of śarīra increased from two to seven. When these relics were later gifted to the Venerable Liziwan at the Shandao Temple in Taipei, the śarīra further multiplied to ten. Similarly, the founder of the Gelug school, Je Tsongkhapa, whose disciples enshrined one of his fallen teeth as a śarīra, later found it sprouting more śarīra for others to venerate.

In summary, śarīra are not merely bones, flesh, or other bodily remnants, but rather the manifestation of the practitioner's accumulated merit, wisdom, compassion, and virtues cultivated over lifetimes. This is why śarīra are considered transcendental, beyond material substances. As the Golden Light Sutra states, "Śarīra are formed through the cultivation of morality, concentration, and wisdom, and are extremely rare to obtain, representing the highest field of merit." Furthermore, the Prajñāpāramitā Sutra states, "The Buddha's body and śarīra are formed through the profound cultivation of the Perfection of Wisdom, making them revered and honored by all beings, both human and celestial."

Therefore, those who venerate the śarīra of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas receive immeasurable blessings, and these relics inspire people to cultivate virtue, abandon evil, and seek the truth. This immense spiritual power of śarīra cannot be fully expressed in words.

Ultimately, śarīra are the result of the practitioner's meritorious deeds and the highest virtues of compassion, joy, and wisdom, which benefit both oneself and the world. This is why śarīra are considered super-material, beyond the limitations of the physical world.

 

 

谈舍利子
“舍利子”,实在是一种非常奇妙灵异的东西,虽然是物质的,也可说非物质的;但是,却只有诸佛菩萨、高僧大德比丘才有,佛门弟子修持功深的不论男女也有,通常都把修行人死了火化之后,从骨灰中捡出许多五色晶莹,形状如豆如珠的叫做舍利子。它,高热不能熔,高湿不能化,高压不能损,经劫不坏。奇怪的是:不能说凡是佛教徒都有,如果没有修持的,也和一般不信佛教的人一样没有,世界上的宗教很多,为什么其他宗教的教主、传教士与信徒都没有;修道的人,不限于佛教,那些外道及旁门左道就没有,却仅限于真正修持
·115·

佛法的人才有,而且,从舍利的多寡,还可以衡量修持的程度,功夫深的舍利多,功夫浅的舍利少,如系多生累劫所修成的,舍利之多,色泽之美,以及灵异之事,更是不可思议。
按佛典记载,释迦牟尼佛涅槃的情形是:“尔时金棺从座而起,高七多罗树,往返空中,化火光三昧,须臾灰生,得舍利子八斛四斗,如五色珠,光莹坚固”,依照解释,十斗为一斛计算,竟有八十四斗之多,当时八大国王及佛弟子,共分舍利,建塔供养,除大部份在人间外,还有部份在龙宫或天上。又佛陀的大弟子,阿难尊者,临涅槃时,肉身腾空,出火自化,恒河两岸,舍利如雨,从空而降。不但古时,就是民国时代的佛教领袖--太虚大师,圆寂,也得了舍利四百多粒,净宗祖师--印光大师,示寂,亦得舍利数百粒,还有其他不知多少高僧大德也都有舍利;尤其是民国四十六年在台北圆寂的章嘉活佛,舍利子总数达七八千粒之多,还有最尊贵的金刚宝和六字轮,舍利子大者如豆,小者如蔬菜的种子,其颜色五彩灿烂,但以白色为最殊胜,其他,佛教的比丘、比丘尼、优婆塞、优婆夷四众弟子中
·116.

,遗身有舍利的,或多或少,时有所闻,不胜枚举。
其实,不一定圆寂经火化后才有舍利子,如佛陀的大弟子之一的迦叶尊者,他金刚不坏的肉身舍利,入定隐身于灵鹫山中,等待将来弥勒佛下生时,才现身法会,影响大众得利,然后方取入灭。安徽九华山的地藏菩萨;唐朝曹溪的六祖慧能大师;明朝的憨山大师;中国佛教历史上还有一位无尽藏比丘尼等等,他们的肉身舍利,仍然留在人间,给人瞻礼供养,慧能和憨山两位大师的肉身,现仍供养在广东韶关的南华寺内;还有一位华僧在泰国,中年圆寂,其肉身不坏,今尚存泰国呈娘地方,为泰人特为建寺供养,据说头发比死时还长了五分;在台湾汐止弥勒内院的慈航菩萨肉身不坏舍利,更是哄动中外的大新闻,为海内外人士所敬仰:在南海普陀山古佛洞,亦有圆寂多年的老和尚肉身不坏。关于肉身舍利,中国各大名山,亦皆有之。凡依佛法真正修持的人,不但骨骼与精髓,乃至毛发指甲、血肉及牙齿,全身皆可成为舍利,如玄奘大师的头顶骨,有光有色;鸠摩罗什法师的舌根,经火不焚,这
·117·

些都是舍利瑰宝。
舍利还可因感应所得,在我国东吴孙权的时代,有大臣名孙皓,因闻梵僧康僧铠法师演说供养舍利的切德,想得舍利供养,恳请法师教令结坛虔诚祈求,经四十九天,子夜忽闻空瓶之中,铮然有声,竟发现功德舍利,吴王令大力士,试将舍利放在铁砧上,以铁锤击之,砧锤皆陷,舍利却无损。宋朝王日休居士,镌龙舒净土文,在木板中刻出一颗舍利。又宋时常熟有妇人陶氏,持诵阿弥陀经,经中忽然进出许多舍利,所积有合余。西晋时代,有僧名慧达,在贸县地方,礼拜虔求佛陀舍利,一时舍利与塔,从地涌出,现在宁波阿育王寺供养的,据说就是慧达礼拜出土的那颗舍利。在近代有一位朱子桥将军,他曾在西安的兴教寺玄奘大师塔院虔诚礼拜,塔上忽然跌下一块砖头,拾起一看,原来有两颗舍利附在上面,因此发起重修塔院。在香港的竺摩法师说,他去印度朝觐佛教圣地的时候,在佛成道处的菩提伽耶,遇着一个老修行,名广清师,他在伽耶大塔礼拜佛的舍利,已有三年,曾亲见有舍利自塔落下,还送给他及另一位居士各二颗,颜色
·118·

鲜明,圆润可爱。民国党国元老居正觉生居士,曾供奉班禅活佛的舍利两粒,后自动变为七粒,居老先生逝世时,夫人取舍利两粒,置入居士口中,大殡完毕,发现家中所供舍利,仍为七粒,后赠送李子宽老居士在台北善导寺供养,竟又发现舍利增为十粒。西藏密宗黄教教主宗喀巴大师,晚年掉了一只牙齿,门人弟子把它当作舍利收藏礼拜供养,后来竟在牙根长出许多舍利子来,给大众分开供养,分了再长,长了又分。据说又有一位活佛,早年在大陆,尚未圆寂时,常有弟子向他礼拜求请舍利,可随时从鼻孔中捏下两颗舍利子来交与带回供养。相传曾有缅甸商人达普陀和波利迦兄弟,用宝盒装回佛陀的头发八根(即佛身舍利),在归途两次被人强劫,共失去四根,回到缅甸,得楞王乌伽罗巴迎供建塔,把宝盒打开一看,仍是八根如故。晚近信徒供养舍利,亦时有增生舍利的事实;又因凡举行佛事,虔诚感格,又常有灯花中结成之舍利。
笔者在台湾各处,曾参观礼拜过佛菩萨及圣僧大德和老修行们的舍利;在嘉义曾见过李济华老居士因他虔诚礼佛念佛所结的灯花舍利
·119·

,当时很欢喜,并预祝他将来往生时定有舍利,果然,不几年李老在台北,预知时至,无疾坐脱而终,火化后得大小舍利子数粒,并有舍利树与舍利花。又曾参观高雄寿山寺启建的燃灯法会,见正收灯花舍利甚多。十多年前曾在嘉义参观过某法师刚从印度请回供养的佛陀舍利,形状如小花生米,笔者看见的颜色是白色,据说看到白色很好,有人看到金黄或淡黄,有人见为天蓝或绿色,有人见是红色或紫色,有人见如珍珠,有人看似玉石,或珊瑚琥珀玛瑙等色,或因业重,看见是灰色或黑色,或因一时至诚所感,或胡跪合掌忏悔业障,发愿行善,而随即使所见色泽变好,观者深觉奇怪万分;如我国近代有位法学家罗家杰先生,笃信佛教,曾到宁波阿育王寺,礼拜佛陀舍利,初见是黑色,自知业障深重,郁郁寡欢,乃在寺中留住七日七夜,至诚礼忏,至第七日再看舍利,已转为白色,才欢喜而去。故舍利子在佛教信徒的心目中,早已充满着鼓舞人类的精神意志纯洁向上,引发人心去恶向善励行道德,追求真理的一种非笔墨言语所能形容的巨大力量。
·120·

盖因舍利是由于行者生前的功德,以及慈悲喜舍智慧利人利世的至高德业所薰修而成,甚难稀有,所以说舍利是非物质,乃是超物质的。金光明经上说:“舍利是戒定慧功德所薰修,甚难可得,最上福田。”又曰:“是舍利者,即是无量六波罗蜜所得所重。”般若经也说:“佛身及设利罗(即舍利),皆由如是甚深般若波罗蜜多功德所薰修故,乃为一切世间天人,供养恭敬,尊重赞叹。”所以世人如发心供养佛菩萨的舍利,所获种种福报,实难思量也。
由各方面的事实证明,舍利尚不仅是毛发血肉及骨骼精髓所成,其颜色亦不仅白黑赤三种,如以华语译音为“身骨”或“灵骨”“遗骨”的话,亦不尽能包涵舍利本身所具备应有的意义。

 

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 Buddha's Relics from the Maitreya Project Tour:


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Master Yuan Yin's relics and passing: The Biography of Yuan Yin Lao Ren

 

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Session Start: Saturday, January 27, 2007

(11:35 PM) AEN:    hi.. wat time u sleeping today?
(11:44 PM) AEN:    eh ask u ah isit a common characteristic among characteristics to have a very 'bright' and 'young' look?
(11:44 PM) AEN:    for example u look at master chin kung's picture... even tho he is 80 years old now.. he looks like 40s.. master shen kai as well, when he was 70s, he look like 40s
(11:45 PM) AEN:    i notice lzls also look v young.. ppl noticed her looks changed after she practised.. when compared to her husband is v different
(11:45 PM) AEN:    oh yes and eckhart tolle as well.. he looks much younger than his age.. he also wrote a chapter in the power of now, saying practising the power of now will lead to slower ageing etc...
(11:45 PM) AEN:    and say if u dun believe try it
(11:45 PM) AEN:    lol
(11:47 PM) AEN:    a common characteristic among characteristics  --> i mean common characteristic among practitioners
(12:00 AM) AEN:    back
(12:01 AM) Thusness:    my wife step on my specks...broke
(12:01 AM) Thusness:    lol
(12:01 AM) AEN:    wahahaha
(12:01 AM) AEN:    whats ur degrees
(12:01 AM) Thusness:    850
(12:01 AM) Thusness:    lol
(12:01 AM) Thusness:    what do u mean by a common characteristics among characteristic?
(12:02 AM) AEN:    wah 850 :P
(12:02 AM) AEN:    i mean common characteristic among practitioner
(12:03 AM) AEN:    oh yes and my friend too.. wait
(12:03 AM) Thusness:    can say so. :)
(12:08 AM) AEN:    oh no i lost my ren cheng account password :P wanted to find something
(12:08 AM) AEN:    lol wait ah
(12:09 AM) AEN:    *ren cheng forum account
(12:15 AM) AEN:    back
(12:15 AM) AEN:    ?????????,??????????????????????: ??????? ??????,????: ???????? ???: ????????,????????????????????????? ???,???????????????????????????: ???????? ??????????????????: ????????? ???????,???????,?????????????????,???????????????????????????,??????? ?? ????????????????????????????,???????????????????????????????????????,???????????????????????,????????????????,??????????????????,?????? ? ? ? ??,?????? ??? ,????????????????
(12:15 AM) AEN:    -- my friend
(12:15 AM) AEN:    btw about the letter..
(12:15 AM) AEN:    u wanna email her urself? :P
(12:16 AM) Thusness:    no need lah...
(12:16 AM) Thusness:    if got yuan i will meet up with her.
(12:16 AM) Thusness:    what about ur friend?
(12:16 AM) AEN:    no my friend said he everyone found him look different when he practised
(12:16 AM) AEN:    lol
(12:17 AM) Thusness:    lol..
(12:17 AM) Thusness:    ic
(12:17 AM) Thusness:    but that is not the stuff lah
(12:17 AM) Thusness:    u do not know what eckhart tolle is toking about
(12:17 AM) AEN:    u mean the ageing part?
(12:17 AM) Thusness:    yes
(12:17 AM) AEN:    oic then wat is it
(12:18 AM) Thusness:    in advaita, the body doesn't seem to undergo change
(12:19 AM) Thusness:    but krishnamutri did say that his body undergone tremendous transformation
(12:19 AM) Thusness:    it is due to the seven factors of enlightenment
(12:19 AM) AEN:    oic.. wat kind of transformation
(12:19 AM) Thusness:    one of them is the energy
(12:19 AM) Thusness:    like what jonls is experiencing
(12:19 AM) AEN:    oic..
(12:20 AM) Thusness:    longchen should be too unless his work is troubling him
(12:20 AM) Thusness:    lol
(12:20 AM) AEN:    haha icic
(12:20 AM) Thusness:    however when one stabilize his non-duality, his body will definitely undergo transformation
(12:20 AM) Thusness:    dancing energy all around the body
(12:20 AM) AEN:    oic..
(12:21 AM) AEN:    so u mean the energy leads to slower ageing
(12:21 AM) Thusness:    not as the thing u said.
(12:21 AM) AEN:    no wonder master hsu yun can live until 120 years old :P
(12:21 AM) Thusness:    slow aging yes but not in terms of age.
(12:21 AM) AEN:    oo icic
(12:21 AM) Thusness:    diet is important
(12:21 AM) Thusness:    until one stage u want to eat vege
(12:21 AM) Thusness:    but i still eat meat...eheheh
(12:22 AM) AEN:    hahaha how come
(12:22 AM) AEN:    vege is gd wot
(12:22 AM) AEN:    lankavatara ask ppl to become vegetarian leh
(12:22 AM) Thusness:    it will help a lot...
(12:22 AM) AEN:    oic how come
(12:22 AM) Thusness:    yes
(12:22 AM) AEN:    then why u dowan
(12:22 AM) Thusness:    i got bad karma...lol
(12:22 AM) AEN:    oh ya longchen said a year ago he say his diet changed a lot and he no longer eat red meat
(12:22 AM) AEN:    and he become much thinner
(12:22 AM) Thusness:    but meditative experience tell me that i have to...
(12:22 AM) AEN:    ya u shld
(12:22 AM) Thusness:    and fasting too.
(12:23 AM) Thusness:    a lot of ppl dunno.
(12:23 AM) AEN:    wah fasting..
(12:23 AM) AEN:    why dunno
(12:23 AM) Thusness:    yes
(12:23 AM) AEN:    if they experience they shld know wot
(12:23 AM) Thusness:    fasting is also important
(12:23 AM) AEN:    oic how come
(12:23 AM) Thusness:    dunno
(12:23 AM) Thusness:    it is just the experience
(12:24 AM) Thusness:    perhaps it is this transformation that brought about the relics
(12:24 AM) AEN:    icic..
(12:24 AM) Thusness:    somehow there is this feeling
(12:24 AM) AEN:    that there will be relics? :P
(12:24 AM) Thusness:    a crystal clear feeling.
(12:24 AM) AEN:    oic..
(12:24 AM) Thusness:    yeah...not that one long for it but the body is going through this transformation especially stabilization of non-duality in all 3 stages.
(12:25 AM) AEN:    icic
(12:25 AM) Thusness:    in which sleep is most important
(12:25 AM) Thusness:    sleep is like a very deep form of samadhi
(12:25 AM) Thusness:    also deepest form
(12:25 AM) Thusness:    and is especially important for a person that experience non-dual.
(12:25 AM) Thusness:    deep sleep is crucial.
(12:26 AM) AEN:    icic..
(12:26 AM) Thusness:    but till a certain stage it will can reduce to very few hours
(12:26 AM) Thusness:    but not what ur lzls is experiencing.
(12:27 AM) AEN:    oic..
(12:28 AM) AEN:    my master also slept quite little i tink.. 4 hours. but i tink is due to his busy lifestyle
(12:28 AM) AEN:    buddha slept the least
(12:28 AM) AEN:    1 hour
(12:28 AM) AEN:    lol
(12:28 AM) Thusness:    yes
(12:28 AM) Thusness:    buddha is different.
(12:28 AM) AEN:    did u read about my previous moderator?
(12:28 AM) AEN:    namelessness
(12:28 AM) Thusness:    4hrs is about there but it can be lesser
(12:28 AM) AEN:    icic
(12:29 AM) Thusness:    nope
(12:29 AM) AEN:    he say he 4 days don need to sleep also can :P lol
(12:29 AM) Thusness:    that is bad.
(12:29 AM) AEN:    but now due to busy lifestyle he also need to sleep la
(12:29 AM) AEN:    wahahaha
(12:29 AM) Thusness:    no lah...i m not toking about without sleep
(12:29 AM) Thusness:    ahaha
(12:30 AM) AEN:    he say other ppl's tiredness can transfer to him
(12:30 AM) Thusness:    that is a problem
(12:30 AM) AEN:    icic
(12:30 AM) Thusness:    it is not a stage that u can imagine now.
(12:30 AM) AEN:    oic
(12:30 AM) Thusness:    definitely not anyone u know.
(12:30 AM) Thusness:    including me.
(12:30 AM) AEN:    icic..
(12:31 AM) Thusness:    that is that person spiritual development must be at least higher than me...heheeh
(12:31 AM) Thusness:    which is quite unlikely
(12:31 AM) Thusness:    kekekekeke
(12:31 AM) Thusness:    it is at least going through the second round of non-dual
(12:32 AM) Thusness:    and after the attainment of transcendental body
(12:32 AM) AEN:    icic..
(12:32 AM) Thusness:    therefore not anyone u know now.
(12:32 AM) AEN:    hahaha
(12:32 AM) AEN:    oic
(12:32 AM) AEN:    second round of non dual?
(12:32 AM) AEN:    wat u mean
(12:32 AM) Thusness:    u won't know now lah
(12:33 AM) Thusness:    so buddha yes
(12:33 AM) Thusness:    not us
(12:33 AM) AEN:    icic
(12:33 AM) Thusness:    most are not even the waking state of non-dual
(12:33 AM) AEN:    oic
(12:33 AM) AEN:    isit when buddhahood, 8th consciousness is completely cleared of impurities?
(12:33 AM) Thusness:    would be a blessing if one can have insight into true no-self.
(12:33 AM) AEN:    icic
(12:34 AM) Thusness:    yes
(12:34 AM) AEN:    icic.. ya lzls was telling us about it.. and said that is the 6th supernatural power
(12:34 AM) AEN:    which a buddha who cleared his 8th consciousness has
(12:35 AM) Thusness:    ur lzls said what?
(12:35 AM) AEN:    cos just now there was a topic about 6 supernatural powers
(12:35 AM) AEN:    then lzls got add in a bit
(12:35 AM) AEN:    she also didnt elaborate a lot la
(12:36 AM) Thusness:    a topic about 6 supernatural power?
(12:36 AM) AEN:    ya
(12:36 AM) Thusness:    by teacher chen?
(12:36 AM) AEN:    no i tink my master article, then other ju shi read out and share some of their views
(12:36 AM) Thusness:    don't tok about supernatural power.
(12:36 AM) AEN:    hahahaha
(12:36 AM) Thusness:    :)
(12:36 AM) AEN:    no la we dont encourage that
(12:37 AM) AEN:    in fact we also share about this article about buddha forbidding his disciple from displaying powers
(12:37 AM) AEN:    and not good to seek powers..
(12:37 AM) Thusness:    the 6 supernatural power if possible should be explained as a form of emptiness nature
(12:37 AM) Thusness:    in relation to our nature
(12:38 AM) Thusness:    and nothing else.
(12:38 AM) Thusness:    and in a most correct form.
(12:38 AM) AEN:    my master last time ask teacher chen to drop all his powers.. he went to the mountains to find my master, and wanted to challenge him in supernatural powers cos he thought nobody can beat him in supernatural powers, lol.. but my master tell him to drop all of them. cos they can distract wisdom development
(12:38 AM) AEN:    icic..
(12:39 AM) Thusness:    where got no one can match him lah...:P
(12:39 AM) AEN:    hahaha
(12:39 AM) AEN:    he thought so.. he said even b4 he knew buddhism he attain all sort of power and thought he was the most powerful already
(12:39 AM) Thusness:    ic. :)
(12:40 AM) Thusness:    if one can stop all these toks, then there is true achievement.
(12:40 AM) AEN:    hahahaha
(12:40 AM) AEN:    no la the point is not to seek powers mah.. lol
(12:41 AM) Thusness:    it is always the mind that wants to show.
(12:41 AM) Thusness:    and the curious mind wants to go beyond.
(12:41 AM) AEN:    icic
(12:41 AM) Thusness:    a true attainer will know.
(12:42 AM) AEN:    oic
(12:42 AM) Thusness:    especially after all the 3 states of non-dual become one.
(12:42 AM) Thusness:    even a tick of the mind to be out of what is will bring u out of that state.
(12:42 AM) Thusness:    how will he want to do that.
(12:43 AM) AEN:    icic..
(12:44 AM) Thusness:    to me i would see that supernatural power is important only to understand the further meaning and have indepth experience of dharma.
(12:44 AM) Thusness:    like no-self, emptiness and suffering
(12:44 AM) AEN:    oic..
(12:44 AM) Thusness:    not even in helping others
(12:44 AM) AEN:    icic
(12:45 AM) Thusness:    and definitely not like a monkey showing ppl. :P
(12:45 AM) AEN:    hahahah
(12:46 AM) Thusness:    one should practice until crystal clarity is experienced and later the attainment of transcendental body.
(12:46 AM) AEN:    icic..
(12:46 AM) Thusness:    that is like the body of bliss.
(12:46 AM) AEN:    oic..
(12:47 AM) Thusness:    when i say that i disagree in lanka about the vows, i don't mean that taking vows is not important
(12:48 AM) Thusness:    what i meant is why is taking vows necessary for one to enter stage 8?
(12:48 AM) AEN:    icic
(12:48 AM) Thusness:    vows as a compassionate heart for sentient being is okie
(12:48 AM) Thusness:    i can understand that.
(12:48 AM) AEN:    icic..
(12:48 AM) Thusness:    and if that differentiate a theravadin arahat, i can still accept
(12:49 AM) Thusness:    but not due to the help of buddha's power one enter into 8 bhumi. :)
(12:49 AM) Thusness:    there is a reason for it to be said so i guessed. :)
(12:49 AM) AEN:    oic.. u guessed?
(12:49 AM) AEN:    guessed wat
(12:50 AM) AEN:    i mean wats ur guess
(12:51 AM) Thusness:    i don't think it is necessary...hehehe
(12:51 AM) Thusness:    i think sleep is more important :P
(12:51 AM) Thusness:    deep deep sleep
(12:51 AM) AEN:    har? lol
(12:51 AM) AEN:    icic
(12:51 AM) AEN:    wait u say sleep is samadhi?
(12:51 AM) AEN:    then whenever we sleep we enter samadhi? lol
(12:52 AM) Thusness:    deep sleep...yeah. :P
(12:52 AM) AEN:    oic so actually everyone enters samadhi everyday? lol
(12:52 AM) AEN:    like that dun need to meditate liao hahaha
(12:52 AM) Thusness:    yeah
(12:52 AM) AEN:    i mean to enter samadhi
(12:52 AM) Thusness:    unfortunately they don't know...lol
(12:53 AM) Thusness:    it is like our nature, we are already buddha
(12:53 AM) AEN:    hmm ya teacher chen always say everyone has no problem of letting go one.. cos everyday u fall asleep everything is put aside lol
(12:53 AM) Thusness:    just that we don't know
(12:53 AM) AEN:    oic
(12:53 AM) Thusness:    u have to let go
(12:53 AM) Thusness:    and completely let go
(12:53 AM) AEN:    icic
(12:54 AM) Thusness:    but the experience of witnessing presence without proper guidance will deny one's access to it. :)
(12:54 AM) Thusness:    poor thing
(12:54 AM) AEN:    oic..
(12:55 AM) Thusness:    what is the role of conscious mind?
(12:55 AM) AEN:    thinks?
(12:55 AM) AEN:    lol
(12:56 AM) Thusness:    the every conscious mind is always 'doing'
(12:56 AM) Thusness:    what about enlightened being
(12:56 AM) Thusness:    or a person that enters into noble path lah
(12:57 AM) Thusness:    no need enlightened being
(12:57 AM) Thusness:    eheheh
(12:57 AM) AEN:    oic..
(12:57 AM) AEN:    hmm
(12:57 AM) AEN:    detached doing? lol
(12:57 AM) Thusness:    and what does that mean?
(12:58 AM) AEN:    means there is no identification with self?
(12:58 AM) Thusness:    they already know there is no-self, what is there to identify
(12:59 AM) AEN:    icic..
(1:02 AM) Thusness:    what is the role?
(1:03 AM) AEN:    its role is functioning in the world? lol
(1:03 AM) Thusness:    yes
(1:03 AM) Thusness:    but what must it do?
(1:03 AM) AEN:    mental and karmic factors?
(1:04 AM) Thusness:    nothing
(1:04 AM) AEN:    huh
(1:04 AM) Thusness:    nothing needs be done
(1:04 AM) AEN:    oh i thought u mean why
(1:04 AM) AEN:    read wrongly
(1:04 AM) AEN:    icic..
(1:04 AM) Thusness:    yes but why?
(1:05 AM) Thusness:    whatever JonLS said is right but it can't be acheived most of the time. :)
(1:06 AM) AEN:    what he said?
(1:06 AM) Thusness:    do nothing
(1:06 AM) AEN:    icic
(1:06 AM) Thusness:    absolutely nothing
(1:06 AM) Thusness:    i never say he is wrong
(1:06 AM) Thusness:    :)
(1:06 AM) Thusness:    i just said it is the path for non-dual experiencer
(1:07 AM) Thusness:    even for him it will be tough
(1:07 AM) AEN:    icic..
(1:07 AM) Thusness:    because the mind can't cope with all its propensities still reacting
(1:07 AM) AEN:    oic..
(1:07 AM) Thusness:    therefore skillful means are needed
(1:08 AM) AEN:    icic
(1:08 AM) Thusness:    not for our luminous nature
(1:08 AM) Thusness:    but for the propensities
(1:08 AM) AEN:    mindfulness is also a skillful means rite
(1:08 AM) Thusness:    yes
(1:08 AM) Thusness:    even emptiness
(1:08 AM) AEN:    ven gunaratana said u can develope a mental habit of maintaining mindfulness
(1:08 AM) Thusness:    yes
(1:08 AM) AEN:    oic
(1:09 AM) Thusness:    so the mind must non-do
(1:09 AM) AEN:    icic
(1:09 AM) Thusness:    and allow happening
(1:09 AM) Thusness:    this is its role
(1:09 AM) Thusness:    like christians say just receive grace can liao
(1:09 AM) Thusness:    lol
(1:10 AM) Thusness:    theirs is by faith, buddhism is by wisdom.
(1:10 AM) AEN:    oic..
(1:12 AM) Thusness:    so even with all our will and effort and understanding, can we let go completely?
(1:12 AM) AEN:    no
(1:13 AM) Thusness:    or have we met any spiritual developer that truly able to?
(1:13 AM) AEN:    buddha? lol
(1:13 AM) Thusness:    yes
(1:13 AM) AEN:    oic
(1:13 AM) Thusness:    but who else?
(1:13 AM) AEN:    how i know lol
(1:13 AM) Thusness:    only truly enlightened being can
(1:13 AM) AEN:    oic
(1:13 AM) AEN:    means wat.. 8th bhumi
(1:14 AM) Thusness:    then why sleep can?
(1:14 AM) Thusness:    even the witnessing also gone.
(1:14 AM) Thusness:    kekekeke
(1:14 AM) AEN:    oic..
(1:15 AM) AEN:    oh ya u still haven reply me how come u said u dowan to read 9th and 10th bhumi "coz it prevents me from experiencing purely."
(1:15 AM) Thusness:    if daily life we can't as u said, then we are still denied of sleep that can, does he progress or retrogress?
(1:16 AM) AEN:    retrogress?
(1:16 AM) AEN:    if daily life we can't as u said, then we are still denied of sleep that can, --> denied of sleep that can?
(1:17 AM) Thusness:    denied sleep that can completely let go
(1:18 AM) Thusness:    so retrogress or progress?
(1:19 AM) AEN:    back
(1:20 AM) AEN:    retrogress
(1:20 AM) Thusness:    if we become less attached in the day and hold on to the night where we can completely let go, it is such a pity.
(1:21 AM) Thusness:    it is only for truly enlightened being for there is complete letting go all the time that does not make a diff
(1:22 AM) Thusness:    we should not immediate the external forms
(1:22 AM) AEN:    back
(1:22 AM) AEN:    icic..
(1:23 AM) Thusness:    for non-dual experiencer where there is complete letting go of the illusionary self, there is tremendous progress and if night they are able to, is there real progress?
(1:24 AM) AEN:    icic..
(1:24 AM) AEN:    ooh
(1:24 AM) AEN:    progress
(1:24 AM) Thusness:    then they complete the first cycle. :)
(1:24 AM) AEN:    what u mean by first cycle
(1:25 AM) Thusness:    almost 'be' in all 3 stages (waking, dream, deep sleep)
(1:25 AM) AEN:    oic
(1:25 AM) AEN:    wat u mean by cycles
(1:25 AM) Thusness:    when u have a very deep sleep, what happened next morning?
(1:25 AM) AEN:    very awake?
(1:25 AM) Thusness:    what else?
(1:25 AM) AEN:    mind is clear?
(1:25 AM) AEN:    dunno
(1:25 AM) Thusness:    continue... right
(1:26 AM) AEN:    the mind becomes less active?
(1:26 AM) Thusness:    awake, clear, fresh, energetic, vibrant
(1:26 AM) AEN:    icic
(1:26 AM) Thusness:    aren't that the seven factors?
(1:26 AM) AEN:    oic..
(1:26 AM) AEN:    ya
(1:27 AM) Thusness:    for a non-dual experiencer, the next day is even so.
(1:27 AM) Thusness:    the intensity is even more fantastic
(1:27 AM) AEN:    icic..
(1:27 AM) Thusness:    if this is continuously sustained, will the sleep naturally be shortened?
(1:28 AM) AEN:    ya
(1:28 AM) Thusness:    isn't it natural?
(1:28 AM) AEN:    yes
(1:28 AM) AEN:    icic
(1:28 AM) Thusness:    isn't the seven factors of enlightenment maintained?
(1:28 AM) AEN:    ya
(1:28 AM) Thusness:    so know that what is right and correctly discerned.
(1:28 AM) AEN:    oic..
(1:29 AM) Thusness:    buddha's depth of clarity is unsurpassed
(1:29 AM) AEN:    icic..
(1:29 AM) Thusness:    we cannot compare one that has reached that stage of clarity
(1:29 AM) AEN:    o ya my shi fu also said if u shi shui fei shui next day u will wake up more refresh and clear
(1:30 AM) AEN:    oic
(1:30 AM) Thusness:    but that must be taught correctly
(1:30 AM) Thusness:    first go into deep sleep
(1:30 AM) AEN:    icic
(1:30 AM) Thusness:    this cannot be misunderstood
(1:30 AM) AEN:    oic
(1:30 AM) Thusness:    it will lead to wrong misunderstanding
(1:31 AM) Thusness:    thinking that one has achieved certain stage
(1:31 AM) Thusness:    in fact that is a retrogress.
(1:31 AM) AEN:    icic
(1:31 AM) Thusness:    our pristine nature has given us the grace to completely let go, to return, to be original
(1:31 AM) Thusness:    our propensities prevents the seeing
(1:32 AM) AEN:    oic
(1:32 AM) Thusness:    but the effect of renewal is there.
(1:32 AM) Thusness:    a person is unable to 'see' with at the conscious level.
(1:32 AM) Thusness:    but denying it is ignorance.
(1:32 AM) AEN:    icic..
(1:33 AM) Thusness:    not a million in one can completely let go.
(1:33 AM) Thusness:    yet we denied ourselves the only time that we can. :)
(1:33 AM) Thusness:    this has to be understood.
(1:33 AM) AEN:    icic..
(1:33 AM) Thusness:    one in a million...hehee
(1:33 AM) Thusness:    opposite
(1:33 AM) Thusness:    ekekeke
(1:34 AM) AEN:    wahahaha
(1:34 AM) Thusness:    :P
(1:34 AM) Thusness:    from day one till now whether u tok about replacing sleep with meditation, i told u no.
(1:35 AM) AEN:    icic..
(1:35 AM) Thusness:    u must know that it is no compare.
(1:35 AM) Thusness:    just that i din tell u why.
(1:35 AM) AEN:    oic..
(1:35 AM) Thusness:    it is especially important for non dual practitioner.
(1:35 AM) AEN:    icic..
(1:36 AM) Thusness:    but due to the presence and new found clarity, a person that experience stage 1-3 might face this problem.
(1:36 AM) AEN:    oic..
(1:36 AM) Thusness:    not to be misled and misinterpret.
(1:36 AM) AEN:    icic
(1:37 AM) Thusness:    i have always told u to measure in terms of clarity, vitality and luminosity
(1:37 AM) Thusness:    or the seven factors of enlightenment
(1:37 AM) AEN:    oic..
(1:37 AM) Thusness:    that can be used as a form of measurement
(1:38 AM) AEN:    icic
(1:41 AM) Thusness:    i got to go liao
(1:41 AM) Thusness:    take care. :)

 

 

 

Soh
Kyle Dixon shared a nice sutra:

"https://read.84000.co/translation/toh180.html

It is an exquisite exposition on nonarising"
Soh

ChatGPT translation of a very good Chinese article on Dependent Origination and Emptiness. (Chinese original below) This article to shared to me by John Tan some years ago.

**What does Pratītyasamutpāda (Dependent Origination) Śūnyatā (Emptiness) mean? (Part 1)** 

[Source: http://blog.sina.cn/dpool/blog/s/blog_c3c90ce50101fbkt.html]

**2013-07-24 19:41 | Views: 631**

1. The idea of Pratītyasamutpāda Śūnyatā (Dependent Origination and Emptiness), in summary, is this: all dharmas, because they have no self-nature (nissvabhava), can manifest as illusions depending on conditions. Although all these illusory dharmas are vividly apparent, they are like dreams, illusions, bubbles, and shadows; like dew and lightning. When we truly understand and believe this principle, then all conceptual elaborations will cease, and we will be free from disputes with others and have no inner attachments. Following this, the only thing left in life is to act accordingly and accept whatever comes, without there being, in truth, any merit (puṇya) really existing.

2. The cosmology of Buddhism leans towards phenomenology rather than metaphysical ontology; it analyzes the essence of phenomena based on experiential phenomena. Additionally, Buddhism is not purely a cosmological phenomenology; it is further a method to free oneself from suffering. The focus is on relieving all human suffering. To free humanity from suffering, the Buddha discovered that suffering arises from the misinterpretation of phenomena. Since the misinterpretation and distortion of phenomena bring boundless distress to oneself and others, the Buddha proposed the concepts of Pratītyasamutpāda (Dependent Origination) and Anātman (No-self) as methods to counteract this. Therefore, Pratītyasamutpāda and Anātman are not only explanations of objective phenomena in Buddhism but also methods to eliminate suffering.

3. Everything is merely the transformation of functions and phenomena; within them, there is no life, no body, and no consciousness. This is my understanding of the Dharma.

4. The doctrine of 'Pratītyasamutpāda and Anātman' or 'the ultimate emptiness of Dependent Origination' is the fundamental thought of Buddhism. Any group or individual whose ideas deviate from the principle of Dependent Origination and Emptiness is not recognized as part of Buddhism, even though it may still be a great religion, a rigorous philosophy, or a person of admirable moral character.

5. The Dharma is fundamentally simple; there are only a few words that can truly transcend life and death and ferry one across the sea of suffering. While learning is vast and requires much study and reading, practice is best kept minimal. The Middle Way (Madhyamaka) and Prajñāpāramitā teachings are extensive, but they can be summarized in the two words 'Pratītyasamutpāda' (Dependent Origination). If someone deeply understands the profound meaning of Pratītyasamutpāda, they can immediately distance themselves from conceptual elaborations! Some say, 'From the three thousand waters, I take only one scoop to drink.' One scoop of water is enough to quench thirst, but if one stands by the river and counts the three thousand waters without drinking, they will die of thirst by the river.

6. The meaning of Pratītyasamutpāda and Anātman is a profound Buddhist doctrine. The Buddha once said, 'Pratītyasamutpāda is deep, very deep!' Although we often hear Buddhists talk about 'Pratītyasamutpāda,' those who truly understand the meaning of Pratītyasamutpāda and Anātman are relatively few compared to those who merely speak about it.

7. What does 'Pratītyasamutpāda' mean? Pratītyasamutpāda means that many conditions come together to manifest and complete a thing. What does 'Śūnyatā' mean? It means that since all things are composed of conditions, they do not have their own nature, individuality, permanence, eternity, or autonomy. That is all.

8. The general idea of Pratītyasamutpāda and Anātman is: First, sentient beings' existence is not without cause; their appearance in the world, and the different encounters and retributions they experience, are due to the power of ignorance and karma. Second, sentient beings undergo long cycles of rebirth in the three realms, exhibiting various states of life and creating different bodily and mental activities. However, these states and activities are merely the illusory combinations of roots, objects, and consciousness, without substance, core, and constantly changing and flowing. The essence of Anātman can be summarized in these two points, but for the vast majority of beings attached to sensory experiences, superstitious materialistic thoughts, and constantly distracted, it is extremely difficult to understand! Especially for those who desire to grasp the essential teaching of Pratītyasamutpāda and Anātman and integrate it into their lives to purify the three karmas (body, speech, and mind), to sever thirst and extinguish conceptual elaborations, achieving tranquility and non-contention, it is even more challenging for those with a strong sense of right and wrong and a combative mind!

9. Phenomena have two aspects: their appearance and their essence. The appearance of phenomena refers to all the things, events, principles, and matters that arise and perish due to causes and conditions (including the three realms of samsara, karma, and retribution). The essence of phenomena is impermanence, no-self, and emptiness. One who does not see emptiness is not a Buddhist; one who discusses emptiness apart from the appearance of phenomena does not correctly understand emptiness. Since the three realms of samsara, karma, and retribution cannot be fully comprehended without the attainment of the four dhyānas and the eight samādhis (only through faith and understanding), and because the appearance is infinite and boundless, practitioners cannot observe everything. Therefore, modern Zen advises practitioners to focus on the attainment of pre-dhyāna concentration, living in the present moment, and contemplating the emptiness of the five aggregates at all times and places. Because those who have firm pre-dhyāna concentration can perform deep contemplation, and those who truly see the emptiness of the five aggregates can cease greed and hatred and attain liberation.

10. Buddhism speaks of 'all dharmas being like illusions,' which is discussed together with 'karma and retribution are not lost.' It can be said that these are two sides of the same coin. To say that mountains, rivers, and the great earth are like dreams, illusions, bubbles, and shadows presupposes the acknowledgment of the existence of mountains, rivers, and the great earth; to say that wealth and fame are like dreams, illusions, bubbles, and shadows naturally affirms the existence of wealth and fame before saying they are like dreams, illusions, bubbles, and shadows; to say that the six realms of samsara are like dreams and illusions similarly affirms the existence of the six realms of samsara and that karma and retribution are not lost. The emptiness of dreams and illusions does not negate the fact of dreams and illusions—if a Zen practitioner does not recognize this, they easily fall into the view of nihilistic emptiness.

11. The Buddha said, 'Pratītyasamutpāda is deep, very deep.' Understanding the principle of emptiness is not easy. Those with dull faculties must observe from many aspects to gradually understand emptiness. They need to reflect on the transience and suffering of the world, the despicable, heartless, and fickle nature of human beings, the transient nature of life like staying in a guesthouse, the disguises, performances, packaging, and promotions in society, the deliberate and resultant nature of worldly affairs as combinations of conditions, and so on, to slowly comprehend emptiness. Those with sharp faculties, however, can directly enter the gate of nirvāṇa through the fundamental contemplation of Prajñāpāramitā and Madhyamaka: 'All dharmas arise and appear through the combination of roots, objects, and consciousness.' That is to say, those with sharp faculties may not follow the sequential study of suffering, impermanence, and no-self; they can resolve attachment and enter nirvāṇa by observing that all dependent arisings are illusory and all illusory arisings are unarisen.

12. The Buddha said: 'Pratītyasamutpāda is deep, very deep; the quiescent nature of Pratītyasamutpāda (nirvāṇa) is even deeper and profound.' Pratītyasamutpāda refers to all existing, continuing things, including time, space, spirit, matter, motion (the cycle of the three realms is also a kind of motion phenomenon), and the principles and laws of things (karma and retribution are also a kind of law), all of which are formed based on certain causes and conditions. The quiescent nature of Pratītyasamutpāda points to the intrinsic nature of all existing and continuing dharmas—obviously being impermanent, arising and ceasing, full of suffering, defects, and unease; more profoundly being illusory and unreal, like dreams, flowers in the sky, moon in the water, mirages, and reflections; and ultimately being quiescent and unarisen—nirvāṇa.

        13.     ‘Anything dependent on conditions for existence is fundamentally unreal, like a dream.’ The core meaning of Prajñāpāramitā Madhyamaka is a truth that is easily understood and explained by ordinary Buddhist learners, but difficult to truly believe, accept, and practice.

**14.** From a Buddhist perspective, the human body and mind—referred to as the five aggregates (skandhas)—are all born from conditions, without inherent subjectivity, autonomy, or an independent core. Terms like 'you,' 'me,' 'he,' 'society,' 'nation,' 'world,' as well as concepts like 'emotion,' 'rationality,' 'justice,' and 'happiness,' are all relatively provisional and temporary composite concepts. The more one recognizes this fact of phenomena, the more one will distance themselves from pride and self-assurance. Therefore, a humble and soft personality is not merely a form of cultivation, but a manifestation in accordance with the truth.

**15.** The phenomena of life are temporary illusions manifesting from the combination of conditions. For convenience, we provisionally name these as 'you,' 'me,' 'he,' but in reality, in the moment-to-moment arising and ceasing, there is no fixed form that can be called a 'dharma,' and in the gathering and dispersing, there is no independent form that can be called 'self.' Just as the sky and the sea do not inherently have boundaries or differences between the four great oceans, initially, names were established according to convention, and eventually, they became ingrained. If asked, 'Where is the soul of the Pacific Ocean?'

**16.** Sentient beings have not broken the 'view of a personal self' (sakkāya-diṭṭhi), so for them, there are unchanging time and space, heaven and hell, Buddhas and Māras, Arhats and Bodhisattvas, the first, second, and subsequent stages of sainthood, all because of 'self-view'—a confused thought and mental state. If one day the self-view is broken, all conceptual elaborations will cease. Because all these distinctions are based on the premise of self-view, self-view is like the coordinates of motion. With the coordinates, motion is possible. When this firm coordinate—self-view—is broken, the world becomes one of infinite light, infinite life, and inconceivable phenomena.

**17.** An unenlightened person, when talking about ancient Chan masters or Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, always holds self-view in their mind—seeing the Sixth Patriarch, Yongjia, Huangbo, Linji, and Nanquan as separate 'entities' and viewing Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva as 'one' Bodhisattva—this is evidence of not yet being enlightened. A truly enlightened person, from the perspective of their mind's eye, sees only dependent origination, not individual selves. They do not view Bodhisattvas, patriarchs, or even sentient beings as separate 'entities.' They do not hold the view of 'individuality' among sentient beings, which is called 'personality view' (pudgala-dṛṣṭi) in Buddhism; nor do they arise the view of 'self' within themselves—'view of a personal self' (sakkāya-diṭṭhi). They see only dependent origination and merely play within dependent origination.

**18.** People can naturally be free and unobstructed, but due to the mistaken identification of 'body and mind as self,' a deep-rooted habitual force forms, even becoming 'effortless.' Thus, afflictions are continuous, and suffering arises. By falsely grasping the body as self and thoughts and feelings as self, one naturally becomes concerned only with their own body and mind (including feelings, sensations, thoughts, ideas, memories, impressions, and experiences), and to protect these two, they fall into blind biases, contradictions, and emptiness. Like flies, they are quickly waved away but soon return to the original place—all their concerns and attachments are only centered on their own body and mind, unable to step outside the five elements and become free people.

**19.** I often tell fellow practitioners, 'Life is like a pile of mud; don't roar in it!' What does 'roar' mean? It means getting emotionally agitated, shouting and yelling; here, it also refers to being high-spirited, arrogant, self-assured, affectionate, greedy, anxious, and uneasy. Over the years, I have deeply felt that life really has nothing much to it! Life quickly passes! The current body, eyes, ears, nose, tongue, heart, liver, spleen, lungs, hands, feet, tendons, bones, blood, flesh, fat, as well as memory, experience, perception, and thoughts, I feel they are just a heap of combinations. They belong to unknowable conditions, not to me.

**20.** Ordinary people cannot be at ease or follow conditions because they do not believe in or understand the Buddha's teaching that 'life is like a dream.' They are deceived by their own eyes, their own consciousness, and by the eyes and consciousness of others. They mistakenly believe that time, space, objects, motion, and even mental phenomena, psychological activities, philosophical principles, and so on, all truly exist—since their mindset takes all these as real and serious, how can they not be stubborn? How can they move toward liberation?

**21.** People mistakenly believe that everything is real, so they 'seriously' cling and 'seriously' let go. Thus, whether clinging or letting go, they do not understand the Madhyamaka (Middle Way).

**22.** If one cannot correctly see and contemplate the impermanence of all conditioned things (saṃskāra) and the no-self nature (anātman) of all dharmas, freeing the mind from all notions of reality and self-view, no matter how happy or carefree or how ascetic their practice, they will never be associated with the liberation of the Buddha's teachings.

**23.** 'All dharmas are unattainable' does not mean that because the practitioner has a mind of non-attainment, all dharmas are unattainable. Rather, all dharmas are inherently without core, without substance, unreal, and unattainable!

**24.** True practice is not for escaping saṃsāra in the future but is driven by the urgent need to free oneself from suffering. Everywhere in life, we see people suffering intensely due to a lack of wisdom, which is an evident fact. Although the five aggregates are without self, karma and retribution still exist. If one really swallows a nail, it will rupture the stomach; if one jumps from a roof, they will be bloodied and broken—this is not negated by the no-self nature of the five aggregates.

Perhaps it can be said that humans rarely act purely for the 'self,' since 'self' is just a concept. What humans truly yearn for, roar about, are countless desires and greed—and it is these desires and greed that cause their body and mind to suffer. Our practice focuses on believing, understanding, practicing, and realizing the emptiness of dependent origination and no-self. This emptiness can heal our present suffering caused by desires and greed, while escaping future saṃsāra is just a natural, inevitable result.

**25.** Since all dharmas arise from conditions, and conditions are inherently without self-nature (nissvabhava), all dharmas in the world, although vividly present, are ultimately unborn (ajata), have never existed from the start! Since all dharmas in the world have never existed from the start, naturally, there is no issue of arising or ceasing! Given that everything is without issue, how can there be true regret in the heart of a Buddhist disciple?

 

Continuation from Part 1:

 

People intuitively feel that death is real and true, leading to a fear of death. If one can see through the illusion that pleasure, pain, birth, and death are like dreams, then they can free themselves from the fear of death.

The stream of life is without beginning or end. Although the phenomena of "death" appear due to the coming together of conditions, it is not a termination, just a change in form. Those who have insight into dependent origination understand the principles of samsara and maintain clear mindfulness at all times, keeping themselves in a simple, pure world.

People might say that at least the present can be grasped. But what does "present" mean? It is merely the image produced in the brain when the eye nerves come into contact with the external environment.

A practitioner proficient in śamatha (calm abiding) and vipaśyanā (insight) can confirm in a blink that the world is truly like a dream, knowing that the images of the world arise in relation to one's eye faculties as illusions.

The path to the goal is not the goal itself. The principle of dependent origination and emptiness, although it can indeed distance one from delusion and dreams, is not the ultimate reality or nirvāṇa itself. Thus, explaining that "all dharmas are merely nominal" will not cause sentient beings to lose the path to liberation. The Chan (Zen) assertion that "all words are expedient means" does not contradict the Prajñāpāramitā Madhyamaka philosophy.

Actually, "The Great Sage spoke of emptiness to free one from all views." Emptiness and dependent origination should not be considered the highest philosophical presupposition. Thinking that the theory of dependent origination is the highest, unchanging truth goes against the Buddha's original intention in presenting dependent origination and emptiness. The scriptures state, "To save sentient beings, the ultimate emptiness is taught." In reality, "emptiness itself is empty" and "emptiness is merely nominal" are points we should be mindful of.

When Buddhism says "everything is empty," it does not mean everything is meaningless or non-existent. It tells us that nothing is absolute, permanent, or real, hoping that people will not cling to things. This concept of emptiness will not lead to negativity; it only makes people tolerant, unobstructed, and refreshed.

All dharmas lack a fixed nature and are in a constant state of change. Therefore, any notion of something being unchanging, absolute, or eternal is a foolish view.

Since we live in a relative world, we must adhere to the general rules of the world. When worldly sages say something exists, we should also say it exists. When they say it does not exist, we should say it does not exist. However, from the highest perspective, we must affirm that good and evil arise from causes and conditions, and there is no fixed, unchanging, absolute, or real significance. Furthermore, for one who sees the quiescent nature of dependent origination, their actions are solely for the benefit of others. They do whatever benefits sentient beings. Since "evil" is harmful to sentient beings and "good" is beneficial to sentient beings, they naturally encourage people to avoid all evil and cultivate all good. Although they teach "avoid all evil and cultivate all good," they do not have a real sense of good and evil, understanding that these are dependent origination and born of the mind.

Worldly good and bad are composed of causes and conditions. For example, is a knife good or bad? It is not definite; with certain causes and conditions, a knife is good; with others, it is bad. In some situations, it can be said to be bad, and in others, it can be said to be good. The view of good and bad should not be fixed, which is the attitude of a practitioner.

Worldly matters often appear simple on the surface, but a deeper investigation reveals that many small daily things contain profound principles.

The entire network of causes and conditions is a web-like causal system, where pulling one hair can move the whole body. Thus, any issue is not a simple one, and a deeper investigation often shows hundreds of issues behind each one. The emergence of one issue often affects the arising of other issues.

I believe that "all dharmas arise from causes and conditions," and the arising of dharmas under the same conditions is universally inevitable and follows an invariable order. However, the problem is, given the endless interconnected causes and conditions of the world and the constantly flowing five aggregates (skandhas) of body and mind, who can grasp the exact same conditions completely?

Most worldly matters have various aspects of appearance and essence, near and far, high and low. Each matter is complex, containing contradictory yet unified contents.

People become what their environment shapes them into. Everyone has the potential to change because no one is fixed; everything is due to causes and conditions. Therefore, practitioners have no fixed views about people and things and are not attached.

Causes and conditions are truly inconceivable. In the vast expanse of time and space and the myriad human world, people with different background conditions come together!

All dharmas and worldly matters arising from causes and conditions are inherently integrated, and even the term "integrated" cannot fully describe their close relationship. They cannot be forcibly separated as "this is you," "this is me," or "that is him." The notions of "you," "me," and "him" are illusions arising from the ignorance of the three marks of existence (trilakṣaṇa), which are superfluous, unreal, and products of deluded dreams. In burning away all these illusions, there is only "seeing" without a "seer"; only "suffering" without a "sufferer"; only "acting" without an "actor." Sentient beings have compassion because "everyone" arises from causes and conditions! Furthermore, the Mahayana scriptures emphasize that "everyone can become a Buddha" because of causes and conditions!

Past events and future events may feel dream-like to us, but we do not perceive the present as a dream. In reality, both the future and the past are dreams; does the present have any real essence? The "present" is at most just a second, and once a second passes, it cannot be retrieved.

In the world of dependent origination, what is high is not high, and what is low is not low. Everything is closely interconnected.

The causes and conditions of sentient beings vary! From my impression of reading the Buddhist scriptures, there were sentient beings that Venerable Ananda could not save, but Venerable Sariputra could. Similarly, there were those Venerable Kassapa could not save, but Venerable Anuruddha could. Thus, causes and conditions are not fixed.

The world is like a banana tree, covered layer upon layer by banana leaves—formed by endless overlapping causes and conditions, creating the world. But if the causes and conditions, like banana leaves, are peeled away one by one, there is no self, no dharma to be found. Impermanence is the appearance and phenomenon of the world, while its essence and nature are without self-nature.

Infinite causes and conditions only form a phenomenon called "events." Although we can say that infinite causes and conditions form an event, in our minds we must understand that infinite causes and conditions only form the composite illusion called an event.

From the perspective of dependent origination, all people, events, and things are finite; there is no perfect group or individual in the world. As long as the general direction is towards the path of Buddhahood, everything is not in vain.

Although heat and cold are not absolute, being scalded by boiling water still causes injury. Thus, ignorance of objective relative truth still causes us suffering. Similarly, although there is no absolute truth, understanding objective relative truth can still lead to the elimination of suffering.

In the world of dependent origination, one cannot find pure, complete, transcendental, absolute objectivity—what is generally called objectivity is also a kind of standpoint, whether leaning left, right, or centered.

Buddhism's theory of dependent origination tells us that everything manifests based on causes and conditions. Things that manifest based on causes and conditions are inherently impermanent and changeable—possessing infinite possibilities. From known and visible causes and conditions, we might say something is "impossible," but if we take an absolutely rigorous standpoint, we should acknowledge that all phenomena contain the potential for change and possibility. 

 

“缘起性空是什么意思?(上)

http://blog.sina.cn/dpool/blog/s/blog_c3c90ce50101fbkt.html

2013-07-24 19:41阅读:631

1.缘起性空的思想,概要言之只是:一切法由于无自性,因此得以随缘幻现;幻现的一切法,虽然历历在目,但却如梦幻泡影、如露亦如电。当我们真正信解这个道理之后,则当戏论灭尽,与人无诤讼,同时内心了无牵挂。接着,人生仅剩的唯是,行所当行,受所当受--而实无功德。

2.佛教的宇宙论是比较倾向现象论,而不是形而上学的本体论,就是以经验可及的现象来剖析它的本质到底是什么?此外佛教也不是纯粹的宇宙现象论,它更进一步是一种摆脱痛苦的方法,它的重点是在摆脱人类一切的痛苦。为了要摆脱人类一切的痛苦,佛陀发现痛苦是源自于人们对现象的曲解。佛陀由于发现众生这种对现象曲解、扭曲的认知,将带给自他无边的苦恼,从而提出缘起性空、缘起无我的思想(方法)以对治之。所以缘起无我不仅是佛教对客观现象的解释,同时也是佛教达到灭苦的方法。

3.一切都只是功能和现象的变化而已,此中并没有生命,也没有身体和意识——我所了解的佛法只是这样。

4.‘缘起无我论’或‘缘起(毕竟)空义’是佛教的根本思想。任何团体及个人倘若观念偏离缘起空义,将不被承认是佛教的一员。尽管它仍然可能是伟大的宗教、严密的哲学或道德情操令人敬重的个人。

5.佛法本无多,真正可以超生了死、渡出苦海的并没有几句话。学问在于广博,要学要读的很多,但修行是愈少愈好。中观般若那么多,但说起来,只是‘缘起’二个字而已。如果有人能深解缘起的甚深义,那么,当下便可远离戏论了!有人说‘弱水三千,我只取一瓢而饮。’一瓢饮就能解渴了,但如果站在河边,细数流水三千而不取饮,那就只好渴死河边了。

6.缘起无我义,这是非常深的佛教义理,佛陀曾说:‘缘起甚深极甚深!’虽然我们常闻佛教徒云‘缘起、缘起’,但真正了解缘起无我义的人,相对于口说缘起者,比例恐怕是非常少的。

7.什么叫做‘缘起’:缘起就是说很多条件来呈现、完成一件事情;什么叫‘性空’:就是说一切事物既然都是条件的组合,那么它们就不会有自己的本性、自己的个性,没有不变性、永恒性、和自主性

就是这样而已。

8.缘起无我的大意是:一、有情的 存在,不是没有原因的,他们之所以出现在世间,际遇报应各有不同,乃依无明意识和业的力量所造。二、有情长劫轮回于三界,展现种种不同的生命状态,并营造出不同的身心活动,但这些状态和活动,都只是根、境、识和合的假相,没有实体、没有核心,而且变化不居、迁流不息。无我的理趣,扼要的说,虽只是以上两点,但对于执着感官经验、迷信唯物思想且一向散乱的广大群生而言,是多么难以理解的!尤其是意欲掌握缘起无我的心要,并援引心要融入生活净化三业,以至于断渴爱、灭戏论、寂静无诤、任运随缘之境,对于是非心重、诤胜心强的有情,更是难上加难!

9.现象有两部份,即现象的表相和现象的本质。现象的表相是指一切有因有缘而生起、逝灭的人、物、理、事(含三世轮回、因果业报);现象的本质则是无常、无我、空。不见空者,非佛教;离现象之表相而论空者,非正解空义的人。由于三世轮回、因果业报非具足四禅八定难以现观(唯能信解),而表相更是无量无边,修行人也无法一一遍观,所以现代禅建议行人,应特重未到地定,随时随地活在眼前一瞬,并集中心力观五蕴皆空即可。因为未到地定坚固者便能作深观,而真能照见五蕴皆空者,便可止息贪嗔得解脱。

10.佛教所说‘诸法如幻’,它和‘业报不失’是一并讲的,可说是一体之两面。说山河大地如梦幻泡影其前提是承认世间有山河大地;说财富名利如梦幻泡影,当然是肯定财富名利的存在,然后才说它们是如梦幻泡影的;说六道轮回如梦如幻,同样也是肯定六道轮回、业报不失的现象。如梦如幻的空义,并没有否定如梦如幻的事实——修禅的人如果没有认清此点,则易陷入断灭空之中。

11.佛说‘缘起甚深极甚深’,空义的通达是不容易的。钝根的人必须从很多方面的观察,才能慢慢了解空,他起先要从‘世间是短暂的、痛苦的’‘人性是卑鄙、绝情、善变的’‘人生如客居旅店,最后还是双手空空’‘社会充斥着伪装、作秀、包装和宣传’‘世事都是刻意、作为的结果,是各种条件的组合’……等等角度的省思、感触之后,才能渐渐信解空义。而利根的人却直从‘诸法是根境识和合而呈现的’——般若中观的这一根本理趣的思惟观察便可步入涅盘门。也就是说,利根的人未必遵从苦、无常、无我的次第学习起,他单从缘生即幻生、幻生即无生的观察,便能化解贪着顺入涅盘。

12.佛说:‘缘起甚深极甚深,缘起之寂灭性(涅盘)倍复甚深极甚深。’‘缘起’是指一切存在、延续的人、物、理、事,包含时间、空间、精神、物质、运动(‘三世轮回’也是一种运动现象),以及事物的理则和定律(‘因果业报’也是一种定律),这一切皆基于一定的原因和次第所形成。‘缘起之寂灭性’则指向这存在、延续的一切法的本性——粗显的是生灭无常、迁流不住,充满痛苦、缺陷和不安;深刻些的是虚幻不实,就如同梦境、空花、水月、阳焰、海市蜃楼;而最极幽隐的是寂静无生——涅盘。

13.‘凡是依赖因缘而存在的事物,其本身就如梦幻一般不真实。’般若中观的根本奥义,对于普遍学佛者而言,是一种容易被理解、演说,却难以被信仰、接受、奉行的真理。

14.从佛教的观点来看,人类的身心——也就是‘五蕴’都是‘因缘所生’,没有主体性、自主性,不是单一、自成、有核心的存在;人们通说的‘你’‘我’‘他’‘社会’‘国家’‘世界’,以及‘感情’‘理智’‘正义’‘幸福’……等等的一切,其实都是相对、权宜、暂时安立的复合性概念。对这一现象事实,越有认识的人,则会越远离憍慢自恃。因此说,谦卑柔软的人格,不单是涵养而已,实是相应真理的表现。

15.生命的现象乃是因缘和合暂时呈现的幻相,我们为了方便起见,权且安立假名说这是‘你’、‘我’、‘他’,但事实上刹那生灭中并没有可称之为‘法’的固定相,和合积聚中也没有可称之为‘我’的独立相;就如虚空与大海本没有国界和四大洋之别,先前乃随俗立名,最后则积非成是,问道:‘太平洋的灵魂在哪里?’

16.众生因为‘萨迦耶见’未破,所以对他来讲,世间有一成不变的时间、空间,有天堂、地狱,有佛、有魔、有阿罗汉、有菩萨,有初果、二果,有五、六、七、八……等等,这些都是因为‘自性见’——‘迷惑的思想和心态’才有的。若有一朝自性见破除了,所有的戏论,就通通息灭。因为上述的一切分别,都是以自性见为前提,自性见就像运动时的座标一样,有了座标才有运动可言。而当这座坚固的座标——自性见打破时,世界就是无量光、无量寿、不可思议的世界了。

17.一个尚未开悟的人,当他在谈论古代禅师或佛菩萨的时候,都含有自性见在胸中——以个别的‘单位’看待六祖、永嘉、黄檗、临济、南泉等人,也把观世音菩萨当做是‘一个’菩萨——这也是还未开悟的证明。而一个真正开悟的人,从他的心眼看出,则只见因缘,不见人我。他不会把菩萨、祖师,甚至众生当做个别的‘单位’来看待,他于众生中不起人见,也就是佛学上所说的‘补特伽罗见’;也不会于自己生起我见——‘萨迦耶见’,他只见缘起,并在缘起中游戏而已。

18.人本来是可以自在无碍的,却因误认‘身心是我’,且形成根深蒂固的惯性,甚至已成‘无功用’了,所以烦恼不断,苦惑丛生。由于妄执身体是我,思惟、感受是我,自然变得只关心自己的身体和意识(包括感受、感觉、感想、思考、思想、记忆、印象、经验),也为了保护这两样东西,陷于盲目偏见、矛盾空虚之中。就像苍蝇一般,刚刚才挥走,很快就又飞回原来的地方——一切所关心、挂碍的都只在一己身心上,没办法跳出五行外,成为自由人。

19.常对同修说:‘人生就像烂泥巴堆,不要在当中咆哮!’什么是咆哮?咆哮就是情绪激动大吼大叫;在此,也是指意气风发、傲慢自恃、眷恋贪爱、紧张不安……等等。多年来我深深痛感人生真的没有什么!人生很快就过去了!眼前当下的身体,眼、耳、鼻、舌、心、肝、脾、肺、手、脚、筋、骨、血、肉、脂肪,以及记忆、经验、知觉、思惟……,我都感到它们只是一堆组合物而已,它们属不可知的因缘,不属于我。

20.一般人之所以不能悠闲、不能随缘,是因为他们不相信也不了解佛说‘人生如梦’的道理,他们被自己的眼睛、自己的意识以及众人的眼睛、众人的意识所蒙蔽;误认时间、空间、物体、运动……以及精神现象、心理活动、哲学义理……等等都是真实存在的——心态上既然对存在的这一切‘当真’‘认真’,又怎么能够不固执?又怎么能够趋向解脱呢?

21.人们因为误认事事物物都是真的,所以‘很当真’地执着,也‘很当真’地放下,因此,无论是执着、还是放下,都是不解中观的人。

22.倘不能正见正观诸行无常、诸法无我,心离一切实在感、自性见,则无论如何快乐逍遥或刻苦修行,永远和佛门之解脱是没有交涉的。

23.‘诸法无所得’并不是因为修行者具无所得之心,诸法才无所得,而是诸法本来就是无核、无体、无实、无所得!

24.真正的修行并不是为了日后的摆脱轮回,而是人类皆有‘脱离痛苦’的热切需要。生活中随处可见人们由于缺乏智慧,导致身心苦痛、无限煎熬,这是眼前明显不过的事实;同时,尽管五蕴无我,但因果业报还是有的,如果真的把铁钉吃下去,则会肚破肠流,真的从屋顶往下跳,则会血肉模糊——并不因为五蕴无我是现象界的事实。

或许可以这样说,人类很少为了‘我’,因为‘我’只是一种概念,人类真正朝思暮想、咆哮怒吼的是数不尽的欲望和贪婪——并且也因这些欲望和贪婪使他身心痛苦。而我们修行所重视的,是信、解、行、证缘起无我空义,这空义可以疗愈我们因欲望和贪婪所引生之当下苦,至于脱离未来轮回之苦,只是水到渠成、法尔如是的自然结果。

25.由于诸法因缘生,因缘生即无自性,无自性的世间一切法,虽然体相历历在目,但究其真实,到底不生、无生、从本不曾存在过!从本不存在过的世间一切法,当然也丝毫不会有如何灭、如何消除的问题!既然一切都没问题,那么佛弟子内心怎么会有真正的遗憾呢?

推荐:佛教基本知识”

 

Continuation from Part 1:

 

人們直覺死亡是實在的、真實的,由於這種感受,導致我們對死亡的恐懼。如果能看穿苦樂生死如夢幻一般的虛假,則可擺脫死亡的恐懼。

生命之流無始無終,因緣和合雖有「死亡」現象的呈現——但不是斷滅,唯是形態的不同。對緣起有洞見的人,明白輪迴的原理,他隨時隨地保持正念分明,讓自己恆常處在單純、清淨的世界裡。

也許人們可說,至少現在是捉得到;可是「現在」是什麼意思呢?其實也只是眼神經和外境接觸,大腦裡所產生的影像而已!

熟嫻止觀的修行人,只要稍眨個眼,就能確認世間真的如夢一般,因為他知道世間的影像,乃是相對自己的眼根而幻現的。

通往目標的道路,並不等於目標本身;緣起——空的道理,雖然確實可以使人遠離顛倒夢想,但是它並不就是實相、涅槃本身。因此,演述「一切諸法,但有假名」之說,並不會導致眾生失去通往解脫的道路,主張「凡有言說,皆屬方便」的禪,也沒有與般若中觀的思想形成矛盾。

其實,「大聖說空法,為離諸見故」,空——緣起並不可做為哲學上的最高預設;認為「緣起論」是最高的真理、不變的理則,反而有違背佛陀最初提出緣起——空的本意。經上說:「為可度眾生,故說畢竟空。」其實「空亦復空」「空但有假名」……是我們應該留意的。

佛教所說的「一切皆空」,不是指一切都沒有意義,或者一切都沒有;而是告訴我們一切都不是絕對、不變、真實的,希望人們不要執著。這樣的空義,並不會導致消極,它只會使人寬容、無礙、清爽而已。

諸法無定相,一切皆在變化的過程中,所以任何有一不變、絕對、永遠,那就是愚癡論。

由於我們是活在相對世界的人,所以必須遵守世間一般的規則,世間智者說有,我們也應該說有;世間智者說無,我們也應該說無。不過從最高的立場來講,我們卻必須肯定善惡因緣生,並沒有「一定」「不變」「絕對」「實在」的意義存在。其次,對一個現觀緣起寂滅性的人而言,所行唯求利他,怎樣對眾生有利,他就怎麼去做。既然「惡」對眾生不利,「善」對眾生比較有利,他當然是勸大眾諸惡莫作,眾善奉行囉!他雖然講「諸惡莫作,眾善奉行」,但是對善惡不會有實在感,因為他明白,那些都是緣起的,都是心所生的。

世間好與不好是由因緣組成的,例如一把刀子,刀子不好嗎?刀子好嗎?不一定;有因有緣刀子好,有因有緣刀子不好。某種情形下可以說它不好,某種情形下可以說它好,好壞不是一定的。「不好的」在某些因緣改變後,可能成為「好」,「好的」在因緣改變後,可能變成「不好」。對人物、事理的看法,不要存有成見才是修行人的態度。

世間的事情,往往表面看起來很簡單,可是如果深入探究,許多日常生活中很微小的事,都蘊藏著許多深奧的道理。

整個因緣網,是一個網狀的因果體系,可謂牽一髮而動全身,所以任何一個問題,事實上並不是一個單純的問題而已,一旦深究起來,幾乎每一個問題的背後,都由上百個問題組成;並且一個問題的出現,也常影響到其他問題的相繼產生。

我覺得「諸法因緣生」,緣生法在相同的因緣條件下,其生起是有普遍的必然性和不可躐等的次第性,這是沒錯的,但問題是,重重無盡的世間因果、遷流不住的五蘊身心,誰能掌握完全相同的因緣呢?

人世間的事情大都含有表裏粗細、遠近高低各種不同面向的角度;直接說,每一件事情都複雜,都存有正反面,既矛盾又統一的內容。

給他什麼環境,他就會變成什麼樣的人。人都有改變的可能——因為沒有人,一切只是因緣。故對人、對事沒有固定見,不會執著。

因緣實在不可思議,浩瀚無邊的時空、人海茫茫的塵世,不同因緣背景的人,竟然會聚在一起!

因緣生的一一法、人事地物,原原本本是渾然一體的,甚至連「渾然一體」都無法形容他們之間密切的關係,那是無法將之強力切割曰「這是你」「這是我」「那是他」;你、我、他(它)乃是有情昧於三法印而起的錯覺,這種錯覺是多餘的、非實的、顛倒夢想的產物。在燃燒這一切錯覺的當下,祇有「見」而沒有「見者」;祇有「苦」而無「受苦者」;祇有「行」而無「行事者」……,有情之所以會有悲心,實在乃因「大家」都是因——緣——生哪!不僅如此,大乘經典之所以在在強調「人人皆可成佛」也是因為因——緣——生哪!

過去的事、未來的事,我們還容易有如夢之感,但對於眼前的、現在的一切,我們就不覺它像夢了,其實,未來、過去都是夢;現在,又何嘗有真實的本質呢?「現在」最多也只是一秒而已,一秒過去後,再也沒有辦法追回了。

緣起的世界,高者不是高,低者不是低,大家都緊緊密密地連在一起。

眾生的因緣各有不同啊!據我讀佛經的印象,曾有阿難尊者沒辦法度的眾生,而舍利弗尊者就有辦法度了;也有迦葉尊者沒辦法度的,而阿那律尊者卻能度。所以因緣是不一定的。

世間很像芭蕉樹,被層層次次的芭蕉葉包著--由無盡的因緣重疊覆蓋著,形成世間。可是如果把如同芭蕉葉的世間因緣一個個解開,則找不到一個我、一個法。無常是世間的表相、現象,它的實質、體性則是無自性的。

無限的因緣只成就某一被稱為「事情」的現象;雖然我們在言語的表達可以講無限因緣成就一件事情,但是在心裏要明白,無限因緣只成就了被稱為事情的和合幻象而已。

從緣起的觀點,任何人事物都是有限的,世上並無十全十美的團體或個人,只要大方向是往成佛之道邁進,則一切都功不唐捐。

冷熱雖不是絕對的,但如果被開水燙到,一樣會受傷。因此,昧於客觀相對的真理一樣會使我們產生痛苦;同樣的,雖然沒有絕對的真理,但認識相對客觀的真理仍然能夠導致痛苦的消除。

緣起的世間,找不到純粹、徹底、超然、絕對的客觀——一般所謂的客觀其實也是一種立場,無論偏左偏右或居中。

佛教的「緣起論」告訴我們,一切都是依因託緣而呈現的。依因託緣而呈現的事物,其本身註定是無常變幻——存有無限的可能性。也許就已知的因緣、可見的因緣來說,吾人不妨說「不可能」,但是倘若站在絕對嚴謹的立場言之,應該承認存在的現象,都含有變化性和可能性的。