Store Consciousness - Verse Nine

All manifestations bear the marks
of both the individual and the collective.
The maturation of the store consciousness functions in the same way
in its participation in the different stages and realms of being.

Since the seeds are both individual and collective in nature. The fruits too are both individual and collective. Building a highway is a collective effort and once built it can be used by many. If we work together to create a happy and peaceful community, everyone in the community can enjoy the tranquility and joy.

It takes some time to build a highway. Similarly, it also takes some time for our actions to bear fruit. Different actions may bear fruit at different times. The result is related to our actions. If we plant a mango tree, it will bear mangoes not bananas. When ripened, the characteristics of the fruit may change. An unripe mango is sour, a ripe mango is sweet.

The seeds in the store consciousness manifest as realms and stages of existence and can be experienced in the three fields of perceptions - things-in-themselves, representations and mere images. There are five stages of existence in the realm of form and four in the formless realm.  From the Verse Three - "Stages of existence within the realms of desires and form are categorized on the basis of similarities and dissimilarities. Dissimilar bodies, dissimilar thoughts is one stage of existence. Imagine living with a tiger in close vicinity. Similar bodies but dissimilar thoughts is another stage. Imagine the Republicans and Democrats arguing over Equal Pay or the Minimum Wage Act. Dissimilar bodies but similar thoughts is another stage of existence. Imagine a child and a dog both always very eager to play. Next is the stage of similar bodies and minds. Imagine the inhabitants of a monastery like Plum Village. In another stage, the beings do not have ideation following perception. Imagine a group of monks practicing walking meditation by a river. Just walking and focusing on their breath, watching the river flow. This is an existence where the mind does not keep grasping the objects of perceptions. These are the fives stages corresponding to the realms of desires and form.

There a four stages of existence in the formless realm. Limitless space, limitless consciousness, no object and no perception or non-perception. With the help of a teacher we may be able to experience these stages through meditation."

Our collective actions, our desires and our habits create the causes and conditions for manifestations. If we desire to draw, then if canvas, paint and brush are available, we can draw.

With the right understanding of the collective nature of manifestations we can transform our negative emotions like pride and anger. When we understand the collective nature of manifestations, we understand that our success is collective. When we are recognized for our academic excellence, we should bring to mind the contribution of our teachers and friends or perhaps the books and internet. When things don't go our way, we must patiently wait for the right conditions. Using the understanding of the individual and collective nature of manifestations we can transform our negative energy.

Our Dharma teacher plays a major role in our spiritual progress. Without our teacher it may be too difficult to make significant progress in one lifetime.

Next time you are angry, bring to mind the collective and individual nature of manifestations. As much as it may appear that the other person is responsible for the adverse experience, we must understand that everything is always individual and collective. Similarly, you are not alone responsible for failure. Right conditions are needed to succeed. So we must patiently work towards preparing the right conditions instead of being unhappy or frustrated. It is easier to get the desired results by looking at things in this manner.

(Based on the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh.)

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