So far we only see the problem

That we see only phenomena and not the noumenon or substance (tathata) from which they (phenomena) are composed (samskrita) demands some elaboration. Let me start by asking the reader of this blog, first of all, to imagine they are standing in a beautiful forest.  How about Yosemite valley? (Okay, make it any place you wish.)  What you are seeing is only phenomena—not for a split second the substance or tathata.  

Now imagine that you are doing zazen in a place free of large black or red ants, in this beautiful forest.  Do you really believe the minute that you sit in zazen you will suddenly behold the true substance of reality from which phenomena are fashioned?  Of course you won’t.  Whether you sit or stand, you are thoroughly bound up with phenomena by habit and ignorance (avidya). It takes an extraordinary amount of spiritual work to uncover the true substance of reality.  Sorry, but sitting in zazen might be relaxing and might even help you to get through the day, but it will not open the proper door to wisdom.  Back to our forest.

Everything that you see in this beautiful forest is a composition of a mysterious substance which you cannot yet see.  Yes, a Buddha and an advanced Bodhisattva can see it—but you can’t.  You’re still too intoxicated by phenomena.

“A man accustomed to pungent and bitter flavors all his life cannot think of, or assess, or believe in the sweet taste of honey or sugar” (Sandhinirmochana Sutra).

How one goes about seeing this substance (their true nature) is rather difficult to explain.  Suffice it to say, no one can see it by going the way of phenomena; being counseled by the senses.  Nor is there a phenomenal practice such as practicing zazen, for example, that can lead us to the noumenon.  By such a physical practice we will only arrive at where we are right now—again and again—where there is no enlightenment.  

“If ultimate truth and practices had no difference at all, everyone would already see the truth, and everyone would already have attained the highest expedient, tranquil nirvana, or they would have already attained supreme perfect enlightenment” (Sandhinirmochana Sutra). 

 

Comments

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[Java Junkie in Miami]

The problem, my little mental midget, CANNOT BE SEEN, namely avijja/agnosis/avidya

Why? It is a privation, it has NO LOCUS, neither topographically existentially or ontologically

Cant "see the problem"? you NEVER will, nor will the wisest of men. Comprehension of the attribute of Selfhood/the-Absolute i.e. itself towards other, i.e. avijja is transcendentally comprehended and transgressed via negativa(ly) or assimilatively via epistrophic/samadhi 'encounters'

[Kojizen]

Mushryoblahblah, Soto Zennists can worship Dogen all they want they will never understand what the Buddha taught. If I had to choose between who is the wiser and more coherent - and closer to the Buddha's Mahayana teachings it would be Ejo and Keizan.

[Mushiryoblahblah]

And yet you seem to believe that Ejo was stating something essentially different from Dogen. The difference lies only in their choice of words.