Key Points:
- True practice requires neither active pursuit nor rejection of delusions.
- Your true nature is Buddha nature; ignorance and enlightenment are one.
- Awakening is not something to seek outwardly but something to realize inwardly.
- All phenomena are impermanent, like dreams; emptiness is the core teaching of the Buddha.
- Through meditation and awareness, one can experience the state of "nothing to attain."
The Essence of Practice: No Learning, No Striving, No Clinging
On the path of practice, many mistakenly believe that awakening requires "learning" more or "doing" more. But true practice is not about external striving—it is about letting go of attachments and returning to your original nature. As the ancient saying goes: "Not studying, not striving, not eliminating delusions, not seeking the truth."
This is not an excuse for laziness but a reminder that genuine practice lies in flowing with the natural rhythm of life. There is no need to suppress delusions or chase after truth, as they are but two sides of the same coin.
Understanding True Nature: The Essence of Ignorance and Awakening
In Buddhism, it is often said, "Delusion is enlightenment." This means that ignorance and awakening are not two entirely separate states but two aspects of the same reality.
-
What is ignorance?
Ignorance is the attachment to self and the world, the entanglement of thoughts, and the illusion of a fixed "self." -
What is awakening?
Awakening is seeing through the illusion of ignorance, realizing that all phenomena are interdependent and empty of inherent existence, and returning to your original, pure nature.
As the poem states: "The true nature of ignorance is Buddha nature; the illusory, empty body is the Dharma body." You are already complete as you are. Practice is simply about uncovering this inherent completeness.
Emptiness and Impermanence: Seeing Beyond Appearances
One of the core teachings of Buddhism is emptiness. Emptiness does not mean that nothing exists, but rather that nothing has an independent, unchanging essence. Everything arises due to interdependent causes and conditions.
- The Five Aggregates Are Like Clouds: Our body, sensations, perceptions, mental formations, and consciousness (the five aggregates) are like clouds in the sky—seemingly solid but ever-changing and fleeting.
- The Three Poisons Are Like Bubbles: Greed, anger, and ignorance (the three poisons) are like bubbles in water—appearing briefly before bursting and disappearing.
By understanding this, we can let go of our attachments to the material world and free ourselves from emotional and mental suffering.
Sudden Awakening and the Illusion of Dreams
"The six paths of existence seem real in a dream; once awake, the entire universe disappears."
This line vividly illustrates the nature of awakening. The six paths of existence (heavenly beings, humans, asuras, animals, hungry ghosts, and hell beings) may appear real, but they are like a dream. When you awaken, you realize that these realms are illusions created by the mind.
Awakening is not a gradual process but a sudden realization. In that moment, you see through the illusions of the world, and all attachments dissolve.
Meditation Practice: Returning to Your True Nature
The path of practice is not complicated, but it requires patience and mindfulness. Here are some simple steps to help you reconnect with your true nature:
1. Sit Quietly and Observe
- Find a quiet place to sit, maintaining a relaxed yet stable posture.
- Let your breathing be natural and use it as an anchor to stay present.
- Observe the arising and passing of thoughts without resisting or following them.
2. Notice the Gaps
- Between thoughts, there are gaps—moments of stillness and silence. These gaps are glimpses of emptiness.
- As your mind becomes quieter, these gaps will grow longer. Rest in them and experience the taste of "emptiness."
3. Awareness and Letting Go
- When emotions or attachments arise, do not suppress them. Instead, observe their origin.
- Ask yourself: "Where did this thought come from? Is it real?" By doing so, you can gradually release your attachments.
Letting Go: Practice Is Emptiness
The poem says: "Eat and drink your fill in the midst of nirvana; practices are ephemeral, everything is empty." This does not deny the value of practice but reminds us that the ultimate goal of practice is to let go of all attachments, including the attachment to practice itself.
- Do not cling to results: Practice is not about achieving some "higher state" but about returning to your natural state of clarity and peace.
- Practice in daily life: Whether eating, drinking, or working, approach each moment with mindfulness and ease, fully experiencing the reality of the present.
Conclusion: The Path to Awakening
The essence of practice is not found in complex rituals or abstract theories but in the simplicity of awareness and letting go. As the poem says: "Practice is emptiness; everything is emptiness."
When you see through the illusions of self and world, and release your attachments, awakening naturally arises.
So take a moment now to sit quietly, observe your thoughts, and rest in the gaps between them. You will discover that awakening is not something distant or unattainable—it is already within you, waiting to be realized.
May you find peace and freedom on the path to awakening. 🌿
