Hi Alex >I think that realizing that nirvana is indeterminate >is the best way to allay concerns that is is "absolute >nullity", as you say, or state of nonexistence. This >is because "absolute nullity" or state of nonexistence >are determinations that are easily understandable and >graspable by everyone. Being indeterminate, nirvana is >not qualifiable by absolute nothingness, nihilism, or >any such determinants. Thus, it is free from even a >trace of nihilism or nullity. As such, it is not >graspable by anyone, and hence it is a hallmark of >freedom.
Nirvana is not graspable. Well said. > > Nirvana is not actually "indeterminate" in the sense > > of "undefinable". It > > is precisely defined by the Buddha as "the > > extinction of desire, the > > extinction of hatred, the extinction of illusion." > > It's just that this > > very precise definition does not give any > > descriptive qualities to it. > >Earlier you have quoted the Heart Sutra in its >entirety. I presume that, by doing that, you have >tacitly announced that you have read that same sutra. I posted the Heart Sutra. I read the Heart Sutra. I did not say I believe it, that I think it is true, or even that I think it makes any sense. >In it, as you will recall, it is explained that >desire, hatred and illusion are empty, unreal. The term "unreal" does not appear anywhere in the Heart Sutra. >Something unreal, that is, unborn, can never become >extinct. The Heart Sutra does say that no Dharmas here born or die. Again, however, it does not use the term "unreal." >Thus, the Buddha's explicit definition using >these concepts was provisionary, makeshift, and >therefore nothing to cling on to. The Buddha's concepts were not intended to be clung to. They were intended to be understood and used to put an end to suffering. >You'd be much better off relinquishing your tendencies >to grasp after imagined substantiality of nirvana, and >finding final repose in the fact that it is >indeterminate. I will find final repose in not grasping. Ian ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> Would you Help a Child in need? It is easier than you think. Click Here to meet a Child you can help. http://us.click.yahoo.com/0Z9NuA/I_qJAA/i1hLAA/S27xlB/TM --------------------------------------------------------------------~-> Noble Eightfold Path: Right View, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, Right Concentration, Right Livelihood Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ZenForum/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
