It seems to be the view of many Buddhist practioners (and on this forum) that
meditation is essential for Self-Realisation. I meditate myself and have sat in
10 day retreats here in japan, but I don't believe that Realisation is a
process
(ie thru meditation). Rather, the Absolute is unborn - without beginning or end
- and can be realised simply by 'waking up' to our true nature. Does meditation
help us to wake up? Undoubtedly! It's just that meditation has nothing to do
with enlightenment per se.
The Buddha Mind is none other than our own pure, original mind that is always
present, and merely hidden by deluded thought. Many Zen texts from the earliest
times describe this:
Hongren (600-674): Just as the light of the sun is never destroyed, but is
merely obscured by clouds and mists, the pure mind possessed by all sentient
beings is merely hidden by layered clouds of discursive thinking, false
notions,
and deluded views. Just clearly maintain [awareness of] the mind and do not
give
rise to false notions. The Dharma sun of nirvana will then naturally appear.
Thus we know that our minds are inherently pure.
Huineng (638ｰ713): Huineng said, “Do not think of good, do not think of evil.
At
this very moment, what is your original face before your father and mother were
born?”
Damei Fachang 大梅法常 (752–839): Monks, strive to reach the root; do not chase
after the branches. Reach the root, and the rest will naturally follow. If you
wish to perceive the root, just see into your own mind. This mind is the source
of all, both mundane and supermundane. When mind arises the various dharmas
arise; when mind is extinguished, the various dharmas disappear. If you give
rise to the mind that is unattached to good and bad, all things are in their
true state.
Linji (d. 866): If you will just bring to rest the thoughts of the ceaselessly
seeking mind, you will not differ from the patriarch-buddha.Turn your own light
inward upon yourselves!
Thoughts?
Mike
