UnbornMind Zen

Posts Tagged ‘Dharmata’

In continuance of our blog from yesterday, Dorji Wangchuk utilizes an article published in 1965 (in German) by the Japanese scholar, Kumatarō Kawada, based on the transcendent and immanent nature of bodhicitta. Our interest is on the article’s discussion of the relationship between bodhicitta and dharmatā. It [rightly] argues that the highest truth—the dharmatā, or the Absolute Essence that is realized inwardly by oneself—is always [the master] over such appellations as Buddha, bodhisattva, Read more [...]

Chapter Eight: The Four Dependables (Mark L. Blum translation): The Buddha said: Good man, within this Subtle Sutra of the Great Nirvana there are four kinds of people who capably protect the true-dharma, promote the true-dharma, and keep the true-dharma in their thoughts. They bring much in the way of blessings and mercy to the world, for they are supports for the world, [sources of] tranquil bliss for humans and gods alike. This passage is describing the four well-known types of Read more [...]

It may be of interest to some of the readership as to what is the method employed when undertaking the exegesis of the Sutras in these Dharma-series. Firstly, the given Chapters are diligently read and digested in terms of its main import which is then followed by reading the different translations side-by-side, accompanied with some research on key elements. Afterwards I enter into meditation, preferably with an appropriate ambient-audio track that fine-tunes the inner recesses of my spirit. Read more [...]

What is meant by the Essence of the Absolute? Stcherbatsky’s translation: The unreality of both (The object and the subject), And the reality (subjacent) of this unreality, (This is the essence of the Absolute), T'is neither (exclusively) assertion, Nor is it (exclusively) negation (And the Constructor of phenomena) Is neither different from it Nor is it quite the same. This indicates the [unreality] of duality. Yet, the Real all-encompassing background of this unreality Read more [...]

“Once again, Śāriputra, as I expounded earlier, within the realm of beings too there are three types of natures. All are true thusness, not distinct and not [mutually] separate. What are the three natures? 1. The nature that is the embryo of the tathāgatas which from the very beginning is in its intrinsic nature associated [with it] and is pure. 2. The nature that is the embryo of the tathāgatas which from the very beginning is in its intrinsic nature un-associated [with it] and, being Read more [...]

(Hakeda) The Practice of Cessation Should there be a man who desires to practice “cessation,” he should stay in a quiet place and sit erect in an even temper. [His attention should be focused] neither on breathing nor on any form or color, nor on empty space, earth, water, fire, wind, nor even on what has been seen, heard, remembered, or conceived. All thoughts, as soon as they are conjured up, are to be discarded, and even the thought of discarding them is to be put away, for Read more [...]

The following is the first in a series studying "The Zen Teaching of Bodhidharma"--as translated by Red Pine. 1. Outline of Practice MANY roads lead to the Path, but basically there are only two: reason and practice. To enter by reason means to realize the essence through instruction and to believe that all living things share the same true nature, which isn’t apparent because it’s shrouded by sensation and delusion. Those who turn from delusion back to reality, who meditate on walls,’ Read more [...]