From the last blog, in so many words, where I said that we are the absolute nature except that we do not recognize it, for obvious reasons this is where meditation or dhyâna comes into the picture (I think I have mentioned this before).
Meditation is the way by which we come to recognize our true nature which involves gnosis. To have this gnosis demands of us that we transcend the compositions of this nature. It is a bit like not being mesmerized by the shape of something thus being able to see its substance, directly. The shapes that surround us, our feelings and mental images, including our volitions and consciousness, are compositions of this immaculate substance of which we are, intrinsically, but are unable to recognize it.
If we were not this absolute nature, already, we would have no criterion by which to recognize it. What we are suffering from is, therefore, spiritual amnesia. By meditation we are trying to remember this nature. When we recognize it, it instantly tallies with our criterion which thus far has managed to remain hidden beneath our consciousness.
Real zazen or seated meditation is not about sitting but about trying to remember our true nature. The only value in sitting is that it acts as a constant reminder for us to look for our true nature . Hopefully, our teacher has helped us correctly to frame what we are looking for. Maybe our teacher has told us that our true nature is transparently clear—so clear that it does not seem present, although it is. These words will surely help. If we eventually see this pure nature for the first time, the words of Zen master Huang-po will make our heart soar, “This pure Mind, the source of everything, shines forever and on all with the brilliance of its own perfection.”
Does the noumenon of this gnosis know a denouement?
Posted by: N. Yeti | November 26, 2013 at 01:44 PM
Hui-neng's commentary on the Diamond Sutra uses the term "objective eye" ... that's the eye of practice ... (and that's also why we don't need to sit to practice ... the objective eye can practice, constantly - ... the same text says "not dwelling on phenomena but seeking noumenon" ...)
Posted by: Methexis | November 25, 2013 at 04:55 PM
"The only value in sitting is that it acts as a constant reminder for us to look for our true nature."
It also forces the mind back upon itself by depriving it of external distraction - no eyes wandering, no fidgeting, etc. The body is still and balanced, and so "activity" is reduced to the minimum necessary to keep one alive and, hopefully, alert. The boredom produced by long sessions of this also forces the mind to exhaust its tricks of imagination, daydreaming,and so forth.
Posted by: Eidolon | November 25, 2013 at 11:26 AM
I like the "spiritual amnesia" motif--great!
Posted by: MStrinado | November 25, 2013 at 08:09 AM