The Middle-Way embodies the profound understanding that the Unborn Buddha Mind transcends any form of conceptualization. In the sacred scriptures of the Dhammapada, a poignant question arises, “Can the fleeting nature of the mind truly remember the essence of Mind?” How can something devoid of a fixed identity, and therefore incomplete, ever aspire to reach the majestic heights of That which exists before all forms of existence? Mind, in its purest form, recollects itself. It is a force that is neither brought into being nor diminished, but rather an eternal essence that remains untainted and unblemished.
Understanding is a term that is often misused and misunderstood in the realm of knowledge. Attempting to grasp the essence of the Buddhadharma through the limited lens of understanding ultimately leads to a state of ignorance. Understanding, in its essence, is merely a cognitive illusion, an attempt to comprehend something that does not truly exist. True enlightenment lies in perceiving the Dharmadhatu, the ultimate reality, without the constraints of conceptual understanding. It is through the clarity of non-understanding that one attains true insight. Claiming to understand is a testament to one’s lack of understanding. It is only when one can humbly admit, “I understand nothing,” that they truly embody the wisdom of understanding. To perceive the Buddhadharma is to embark on a path of non-perception, where true enlightenment resides.
It all comes down to how we perceive things. Our understanding is shaped by our perception, which is unique to each individual. Perception is a subjective tool that varies from person to person. What we believe to be reality is actually based on our own perceptional apparatus, and as a result, we have the power to shape and define our own reality. However, when we let go of our preconceived notions and biases, we are able to see reality as it truly is, without the limitations of our own filtering mechanisms that often confuse what is true and what is false. This state of deep samadhi is achieved when both the mind and the apparent reality cease to exist, or when the Still-Dharma-Mind becomes one with samadhi.