When we realize that afflictions are no other than enlightenment,
we can ride the waves of birth and death in peace,
traveling in the boat of compassion on the ocean of delusion,
smiling the smile of non-fear.
Afflictions are the causes of suffering. Discrimination, inequalities, scarcity, death, poor health, unfulfilled desires are some of the reasons we suffer. We may say that wrong views cause suffering because it is due to wrong views that discrimination, inequalities, wars, ideological differences etc. arise. We may say that separation causes suffering because death separates us from our loved ones and we miss them. To be separated from conditions that make us happy is suffering. Wrong views arise due to the belief in an existence separate from others. A wrong view is one that can cause harm to others or ourselves. Discriminating on the basis of race or gender or nationality or religion are a result of people perceiving each other as separate from themselves. So all sufferings are a result of separation. They arise due to the view of a self that is separate from others or due to being separated from our loved ones or simply because we are separate from conditions that make us happy.
This perception of separateness is an illusory perception. To not realize this is ignorance. That is why we say that ignorance causes suffering. The opposite of ignorance is enlightenment. One who is enlightened is one who has awakened from the illusion of separateness. She is awake so she is aware of what is really happening around her. Since she is no longer bound by the illusion of separateness, the distinctions between afflictions and enlightenment disappear.
According to those who have awakened to reality, all conditions of happiness are always present with us. So they can dwell happily in the present moment. We can practice this too by practicing the samadhi of aimlessness. If we have everything, then there is nothing more to run after.
However, we are not happy in the present moment because we perceive that we are separate from conditions that are needed to be happy. Conditions that make us happy are the presence of what we want and absence of what we don't want.
There are two dimensions in which we view separateness - one is time and the other space. In the dimension of time we view everything as impermanent. We see birth and death, integration and disintegration, coming and going, after and before etc. In the dimension of space we see ourselves as separate from others.
Reality in the dimension of time is that there is no birth and no death. We perceive manifestations when conditions are present. The radio signals are everywhere but we can listen to the radio channels only when we have a radio. A radio can recognize and interpret radio signals. Similarly we perceive manifestations through signs like their name, body, voice etc. To not be able to perceive someone in other words is our inability to recognize them because we are looking for them in a world of signs. A blind person cannot see me but that does not mean I do not exist. He just has to find another way of recognizing me. To practice recognition without signs is the samadhi of signlessness.
Reality in the dimension of space is that we inter-are. We are like waves on water, never separate from water. There is no inside or outside. You are in me and I am in you. To realize this is the samadhi of emptiness.
These three samadhis are the three doors to liberation. One who is liberated can help others. Whenever we use the word compassion from the perspective of Indian philosophy we are translating the word karuna. Karuna is the ability to transform suffering into peace and joy. So these beings who have awakened possess compassion. Since they have realized the three samadhis they know that there is nothing to lose. They are not afraid anymore. They help others overcome delusions.
Compassion is needed for us to progress on this path. Since we are not already Buddhas, our compassion (ability to transform suffering into peace and joy) is not the same as theirs. How can we practice compassion? We can practice compassion by practicing the five mindfulness trainings.
Buddhas know that everything is in everything else. We can understand this as well if we observe carefully. If we harm others, we will only hurt ourselves. We will create obstacles in our path. If we practice the five mindfulness trainings we will remove obstacles from our path. It will be easier for us to practice.
These are the fifty verses of Vasubandhu which he wrote as Trimshika and Vimshatika. Thanks to the great compassion of Thich Nhat Hanh we are able to receive these teachings that have led countless beings to enlightenment. May he remain with us until we are enlightened!
(Based on the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh.)
#विज्ञप्तिमात्र #Vijñaptimātra #VijñaptimatraBuddhism #ThichNhatHanh #Vasubandhu #50Verses #50VersesOnVijñaptimātra #Vimshatika #Trimshika #VimshatikaKarika #TrimshikaKarika #Asanga #Yogacāra #Yogacara #ManifestationOnly #Vigyaptimatra #Xuanzang #India #Linji #Rinzai #Zen #Bodhidharma #Hinduism #Buddhism #Buddha #Mahayana #Prajñapāramitā #Vijnaptimatra #IndianBuddhism #IndianPhilosophy #UttarPradesh #StoreConsciousness #Alayavijñana #Manas
No comments:
Post a Comment