If we look at Buddhism through the framework of modification and âtman, in which modification is more familiarly the five skandhas of material shape, feeling, perception, volitions, and consciousness, it is easier to understand where âtman fits into the overall picture of Buddhism. It also explains how mistakes of interpretation are possible in Buddhism in which modification and âtman are confused; there being no clear discernment (prajñâ) of one from the other. It also becomes easier to understand why the Buddha did not, categorically, deny the âtman. But also of great importance, we also see modifications have no actual independent existence; they depend on the âtman. Fundamentally, all dependent originations arise from Mind which is what the Avatamsuka Sutra tells us (in Pali commentarial literature attâ’ti cittam, that is, âtman is essence mind).
We also see in this framework that substance or essence Mind is, itself, luminous and perfectly complete except for the illusion of modifications which, in our ignorance, we tenaciously cling to believing that this is true reality; refusing to look beyond it to what is most primordial which is Mind.
"This mind (citta) is by nature shining, it is defiled-afflicted by adventitious defilements-afflictions; this mind is by nature shining, it is liberated from adventitious defilements-afflictions" (A. i. 10).
As long as most Buddhists refuse to consider the five skandhas as modifications of âtman which, incidentally explains why the Buddha in many of his discourses rejected skandhas as not being his âtman, Buddhism will continue to go no further than in a circle of confusion. However, if Buddhists took the time to realize the âtman or Mind, they would be, first of all, liberated (nirvana) from the confusion of modification and âtman. They would, as a result, possess wisdom or prajñâ which can see the transformation of the skandhas/modifications and still see that the âtman is not destroyed or altered in anyway by this continual transformation.
I'm with your realizations, cloudless. very nice.
Posted by: n. yeti | April 04, 2014 at 08:34 AM
I think what you're saying is not to mistake the dream for the dreamer. When this dream ends, the dreamer still remains. Everything in this life and all lives are one big dream. But who is dreaming it? The answer is Me. Who am I? The consciousness that is aware at this moment. Not the thought that speaks with words, but the awareness itself. Everything but the awareness itself changes moment by moment. It may experience multiple lives and hidden dimensions, but these are all dreams. When we can stop the thinking mind for a moment we can isolate the subjective essence that witnesses the body and mind. It's always here, but hidden in plain sight by our thoughts and feelings that I am this body and mind and not the consciousness that brings the whole dream into existence.
Posted by: cloudless | March 28, 2014 at 06:29 PM
Reality is an infinite and eternal stream of consciousness. Perfect the way it is. Perception changes, but the total is perfect and complete. Mind views itself as a limited being in Space and time then suffering occurs. If consciousness identified with the totality of existence instead of one slice of it, it wouldn't fear dying or anything else. It would understand that everything is perfect and that everything that happens and perceived is necessary for existence to be complete.
Posted by: cloudless | March 27, 2014 at 10:39 PM