All the everyday thoughts we have are not a substance or essence. Thought is a mode of Mind, Mind being unthinkable but, nevertheless, the source and substance of thoughts. For Zen, thought then cannot know Mind. Yes, it can point to Mind, and does so in Zen literature, but thought cannot go there. To arrive at Mind (satori = Zen gnosis), we must go to where there is no arising of thought insofar as Mind is non-arising and totally invisible.
Sound weird? It’s not if you begin with the One Mind, the primary source which is unconditioned and non-arising.
Now, don’t try to imagine the One Mind. It won’t work no matter how much you try. What you’ve imagined is not the One Mind. At best it is a copy or a simulacrum which is purely guesswork on your part—you could be way off and most likely are.
The practice that works in Zen to realize Mind (also the One Mind) depends upon whether or not we, as practitioners, are successful with our thoughts, suddenly, coming to a halt thus to reveal Mind. But this cannot be forced either. The will doesn’t work here. Satori comes through direct intuition which is different than using the will.
When we, personally, behold Mind, this is called the transmission of the light denglu/燈錄. It is a spiritual baptism. From our thoughts to every part of our body, the blissful light now dominates us. It is protector and lord (nātha).
Another experience I had was sitting in a zendo during Seshin, listening to a dharma talk by my Zen teacher. As I was listening, my thoughts raced from extreme positive to extreme negative in a very fast pace until my mind exploded and I saw the connection of all things. I started laughing so hard and had to leave...
Every thing is connected, that's another important lesson that we forget in everyday life.
Posted by: Aryeh | October 28, 2018 at 07:57 AM
Please read the Heart Sutra for more about emptiness
Posted by: Aryeh | October 26, 2018 at 06:31 PM
Pure Mind = No body. Thoughts exist only as energy flowing in Mind. There is no bodhisatva in Pure Mind. The ego is clearly seen as empty devoid of any solid substance. Just streams of energy flowing around. If thoughts stop then only boundless awareness would exist. This is emptiness. Without a body there is no bliss. Therefore bliss is associated with the body which is Samsara which is the opposite of Nirvana. Nirvana is only the end of body and thinking. But is this a good thing? Not from the point of view of a human which is the product of body and mind.
So, we are left with the question what to do with life? That's a personal question which must be left to every individual. I choose to create art and contemplate life. And to enjoy it while it lasts.
Posted by: Aryeh | October 26, 2018 at 11:08 AM
N. Yeti,
Truly masterful and most eloquent
Posted by: MStrinado | October 26, 2018 at 09:24 AM
N. Yeti,
Your name is Dharmakara.
Posted by: Adasatala | October 25, 2018 at 06:14 PM