Looking for the unconditioned with the conditioned

A general common question among Zen adepts is how do I realize my true nature or the same, how do I realize pure Mind? 

For starters it cannot be done with consciousness (S., vijñāna) because it dualizes (the vi prefix means in two parts).  It takes the one, i.e., the original one, and splits it into two sides, usually, subject and object.  As a result of this splitting, the adept tries to be aware of pure Mind (i.e., the object).  Essentially, the adept is looking for pure Mind with a tainted, conditioned instrument (the subject).  It can’t be found this way.  Consciousness is always biased towards the conditioned; trying to see the unconditioned pure Mind as something conditioned.

In order to reach pure Mind, that is, our true nature, consciousness has to be transcended.  We have to personally merge with the original one prior to its splitting into consciousness.  So, how are ya gonna do that?

As I have said a number of times before, one has to go to their wits’ end thus reaching the limitation of consciousness itself. (In the KJV version of the Holy Bible we read in Psalms 107: 27. “They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits’ end.”).

The real story of Zen is about bringing the adept to their wits’ end where consciousness cannot grab hold of anything.  Then some time later, something happens. A sound such as the churring of a cricket, pushes the adept into the arms of the original one before the arising of consciousness.