What is Enlightenment, Awakening, Nirvana?

last SG · 2011-11-16T09:05:02+00:00

it is living without awareness My interpretation is just let everything ends there and then. Let everything passes without a trace. Just my guess.

Takso SG

Good questions, realization. It would be a long and long explanation to start with, but I would try to make it brief, simple and clear for all to comprehend on how the nature orientates from a basic of beginning to how it becomes the present day circumstances of multiplicity and complexity.

The orientation of Nature

We need to understand that long before the rising of Buddha Dhamma 2,600 years ago, the realm of existence already running its course according to the natural bounding law. The wise Buddha has seen through the reality of it, recommended with permanent remedies to liberate one from the natural bounding law.

So, what is the so-called natural bounding law? It is the law of balancing that dictates the circumstances of equilibrium in nature. In Buddhism, this law of balancing is also known as the Law of Karma.

Nature in itself is full with wonders and has already reached a saturated level of complexity that encompassed all sorts of activities or processes such as aggregation, segregation, evolution, mutation, assimilation, etc. In other words, all of these activities or processes have had happened in a manner long before we could have the slightest opportunity to realise it. This scenario is the rising of ignorant aspect in the realm of existence.

As a consequence, we always tend to make observation or take view on events in the context of result perspective or the ignorant point of view. There are plenty of examples for observation or view on events derived from this conventional perspective i.e. formation, suffering, disease, sickness, terrorism, calamity, existence, etc.

Nevertheless, the wise Buddha has realised on these circumstances and recommended with a paradigm shift to it i.e. for one to make observation or take view on events from the context of cause perspective or the awaken point of view instead. And it is from this new-found perspective that one could liberate from the cyclic influence of conditional phenomena. One of the good examples is the introduction of the cardinal doctrine of dependent origination.

As mentioned earlier, nature has already reached a saturated level of complexity and this circumstance has created difficulties for one to observe events free from defilements. If we could unwind all events that have taken place in the nature, we could realise the origin of it i.e. all activities, events or processes would evolve around the orientation of energy or matter in a plane called space at all times.

At the end of the day, we could see and know that every existence - sentient, non-sentient, or any material things - is nothing but merely basic elements i.e. energy, matter and space that would orientate as according to the conditional phenomena. This is the correct understanding on the concept of Śūnyatā (emptiness) and the concept of Anattā (non-self or absence of separate self) in Buddhism that have always been the main subjects of confusion among the followers.

In other words, we could mention that form entity in itself is delusive in nature that is generated out of the ignorant point of view or from the context of result perspective. We could not view form as an entity because it is an appearance, though not illusive, but devoid of inherent existence and varies under the influence of phenomenal conditions.

Rightly, the Buddha recommended one to see all things as they truly are (not as they delusively are). And it is through the philosophy of emptiness could one begin to experience the cleansing of ignorant aspect. Once the ignorant aspect has been extinguished or neutralised, the awaken aspect would arise concurrently.

The Concept of Non-self in Buddhism

The concept of Anattā (non-self or absence of separate self) in Buddhism has always been the main subject of confusion among the followers. Now, let us analyse this.

Simply, it means - Now you see it; now you don't. This is what the concept of emptiness in Buddhism is all about - absence of static entity. Nothing stays unchanging even for the slightest moment at all times.

By the time you think who you are, you are already not the same you seconds ago. So, where are you to find the original static of you as you assume along every passing moment?

At the end of the day, you could only see a stream of you constantly passing by on every slightest moment. So, I repeat, you could only see a stream of you; not the one stop entity of you. Just like, you could not step twice into the same river; for other waters are ever flowing on to you.

The stream of you would mean you are part of the becoming processes that arise in the nature. All different shapes and forms that exist in the nature or the so-called you as being are merely momentary outcomes of the constant and continuous becoming processes in the realm of existence.

Under balance phenomena, one could witness shapes or forms arise; under imbalance phenomena, one could see no shapes or forms arise - and the cycle of conditional phenomena continues repeatedly.

Finally, the stream of you is devoid of inherent existence. It means that you do not exist independently by the definition of physical container that you always assumed to be. You are merely the results of energy or matter orientation that evolve constantly and continuously in a plane of space at all times.

In other words, you are just like part of the Lego pieces or bricks that can be assembled and connected in many ways, to construct such objects as vehicles, buildings, and even working robots - anything constructed can then be taken apart again, and the pieces used to make other objects.

When one is fully awakened on the principle of emptiness or non-self, the state of egolessness in oneself would arise concurrently. This realisation is part of the fundamental routes to enlightenment as prescribed by the Buddha.

The Within of the Within

Everything that exists is empty because there is no essence to anything and nothing has ever exists in its own quality – nothing is permanent and unchanging. All objects exist conditionally without an eternal essence. They only exist in relation to each other as appearances that in turn vary as per the perceptions of the beholders.

Energy is the underlying element for all existence and it is dependent on conditional phenomenon. And phenomenon is thing that appears to or is perceived by senses and therefore, it is empty as well.

At the end of the day, we could summarise that emptiness is the beginning for all existence. Every existence is empty and emptiness is in every existence.

Emptiness Everywhere

So, how does emptiness derived and why is it so crucial for one to ponder at?

From direct experience, we know that humans and things cause pleasure and pain, and that they can help and harm. Therefore, phenomena certainly do exist but the question is how? They do not exist in their own quality but only have an existence dependent upon many factors, including a consciousness that conceptualises them.

But in what way is consciousness mistaken? Because all phenomena appear to exist in their own quality, all of our ordinary perceptions are mistaken. We have taken in a wrong sense that living beings, things and phenomena appear to exist in and of themselves. It seems that phenomena could be established in their own right or quality, and from the object’s side upon conceptualising our consciousness. Unfortunately, with this false mode, we are hindering ourselves from recognising the discrepancy between appearance and reality.

Nevertheless, one could train oneself to develop wisdom and eliminate one’s ignorance on the ultimate truth. Upon seeking through in-depth analysis, one could find inherent existence of whatever object one is considering — oneself, another person, one’s body, one’s mind, or anything else is completely lacking.

For example, when you examine an object such as car, its inherent existence is negated, but what is left is a body dependent on an engine, seats, lamps, window glasses, tires, gases, etc. In other words, what is left after the analysis is a dependently existent phenomenon.

Thus it is not that you come to understand that the object or phenomenon does not exist but rather, you find that its inherent existence is unfounded. This is the ultimate discovery about the orientation of the nature. Nature is a system of existence fully occupied with factors that rise and fall dependently in continuum.

At the end of the day, dualism of the subject and object, and the appearance of multiplicity arises out of our ignorance on the true nature would vanish once emptiness appears. We could then differentiate the way things are perceived to exist and the way things really exist.

Why is there an existence at all? Why not nothingness?

Emptiness is a necessary pre-requisite for any object to exist; without it, the object would be impossible. Upon in-depth analysis, we could discover that emptiness corresponds to two distinct scenarios:

1. It corresponds to the inherent existence (due to unchanging nature) that all conventional phenomena lack.

2. It corresponds to dependent arising (a conditional phenomenon) i.e. subject to the same lack of inherent existence as every other object or phenomenon. This is referred to as the emptiness of emptiness.

The above is a rather strange paradox but still logical because emptiness is a universal or infinite phenomenon. Therefore, it is evident that object could arise out of emptiness due to the 2^nd scenario clarified as above and it is the ambience for the origination of existence.

As a summary, the emptiness of phenomena is both the cause and consequence of the dependent nature of phenomena. It is comparable to scientific term of a singularity and also the inherent quality of existence.

Emptiness is considered the ultimate truth because it inherently exists exactly as it is perceived when it is perceived directly by an enlightened mind. And discovering the ultimate truth is the key to overcoming the ignorant state of mind.

Perception of Phenomena

Phenomena appear to arise or are perceived by our senses to arise in and of themselves, but they are not. All phenomena, including emptiness, are dependent-arising. Emptiness, however, did correspond to both inherent existence and dependent arising due to its universal qualities.

Thus, phenomena do not exist inherently as this or that from their own sides, unrelated to the consciousness that perceives them. Phenomena exist as this or that - are dependent on the observers.

Now, we need to look at the definition of existence. What exists is defined as that which can be known. If it cannot be known, then it does not exist. The fact is that things do not exist in the ways that concepts and language imply they do.

Therefore, we shall realise that the deepest fact about things does exist. It is beyond mind and beyond concepts and words in the sense that it is beyond our usual ways of perceiving things. Language and conception only imply that things exist in distinct manners i.e. wise person, dumb person, saint, devil, etc. - in such well-defined and independent categories.

Thus, when we say that the deepest fact about things is that they exist in a way that is beyond mind and beyond words, we are referring to the fact that things do not exist in the ways that concepts and language imply they do.

Perceiving reality is seeing that things do not exist in these fantasised, impossible ways, in black and white categories.

Reflection of Emptiness

Emptiness can be realised into stages as below: -

Stage 1 Elementary Realisation

· All things and phenomena are lack of core essence.

· Nothing is unchanging and permanent.

· Everything is inter-related.

Stage 2 Intermediary Realisation

· Ability to differentiate the way things are perceived to exist and

the way things really exist.

· Only seeing without believing.

Stage 3 Advance Realisation

· No dualism of the subject and object, and no appearance of multiplicity.

· All things and phenomena rise and fall within a singular condition.

· Only uniformity exists.

Stage 4 Ultimate Realisation

· All dependent arising are completely blown off or extinguished.

· No string attached; nothing is left remaining.

· Infinite, unchanging, permanent and unconditional.

· Exists beyond all phenomena.

Life Existence - How it begins and continues to begin?

All existence contain with basic elements - energy, matter and space. The basic elements would subject to conditional balance and imbalance phenomena.

Under balance phenomenon, the three basic elements start to integrate with each other to create aggregate activities. Under imbalance phenomenon, the three basic elements start to disintegrate from each other to create segregate activities.

The principle in effect: -

A stream of balance phenomena would conjure up aggregate activity;
A stream of aggregate activities would conjure up information;
A stream of information would conjure up memory;

A stream of memories would conjure up ignorance;
A stream of ignorance would conjure up volitional impulse;
A stream of volitional impulses would conjure up consciousness;
A stream of consciousness would conjure up body and mind;
A stream of body and mind would conjure up six sense bases;
A stream of six sense bases would conjure up contact;
A stream of contacts would conjure up feeling;
A stream of feelings would conjure up craving;
A stream of cravings would conjure up clinging;
A stream of clinging would conjure up becoming;
A stream of becoming would conjure up birth;
A stream of births would conjure up aging;

A stream of aging would conjure up death;
A stream of deaths would conjure up segregate activity;
A stream of segregate activities would conjure up imbalance phenomenon;
A stream of imbalance phenomena would conjure up new balance phenomenon.

Energy and Matter

Energy or matter is actually the same thing; both reflected in a different form. Just like, cause or effect is the same thing; both reflected in a different time of event.

Energy is described as the ability to cause change or do work. Whereas, Matter is simply something that contains mass and takes up space as a solid, liquid, gas or plasma. The atom is a basic unit of matter that consists of a dense, central nucleus surrounded by a cloud of negatively charged electrons. The atomic nucleus contains a mix of positively charged protons and electrically neutral neutrons. In other words, matter is also known as concerted, aggregated or concentrated or wrapped energy.

As scientists have discovered, energy cannot be created or destroyed – it only transforms itself based on any subjected conditions. Therefore, we could summarise that all activities would evolve around the orientation of energy or matter in space at all times.

Law of Dependent Origination (Profound Version)

So far, all the available texts or sutras on the Buddha’s teachings have pointed out ignorance as the first link or cause in the wheel of life.

However, if one was to observe this aspect of ignorance intently, it simply could not arise out of nowhere or out of thin air. font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: 宋体; mso-bi

Takso SG

Law of Dependent Origination (Profound Version)

So far, all the available texts or sutras on the Buddha’s teachings have pointed out ignorance as the first link or cause in the wheel of life.

However, if one was to observe this aspect of ignorance intently, it simply could not arise out of nowhere or out of thin air. Definitely, it has to arise out of memorised events that have taken place beforehand.

In psychology, memory is defined as an organism's ability to store, retain, and recall information and experiences. So, when aggregate activities began, some sort of information would be produced, stored and recalled in the integrated elements.

In a layman term, this process is called creation or pro-creation within beings or things. If memory aggregate is absent, the process of replication could not arise in all beings or things at all.

Let us illustrate in the learning of speeches among young children. If a child has no memory ability, then whatever lessons that were taught on would instantly be forgotten or erased and the progression to the next advance level would be deemed impossible.

Similarly, it was the Buddha’s recommendation for one to always see and live in the present; neither in the past nor in the future.

When one lives well in the present, one would lead to the cessation of memories of the past and this would subsequently lead to the cessation of ignorance in the future.

The principle in effect: -

The seeing of Ultimate Truth leads to the cessation of balance phenomenon;
The cessation of balance phenomenon leads to the cessation of aggregate activity;
The cessation of aggregate activity leads to cessation of information;
The cessation of information leads to cessation of memory;
The cessation of memory leads to the cessation of ignorance;
The cessation of ignorance leads to the cessation of volitional impulse;
The cessation of volitional impulse leads to the cessation of consciousness;
The cessation of consciousness leads to the cessation of body and mind;
The cessation of body and mind lead to the cessation of six sense bases;

The cessation of six sense bases lead to the cessation of contact;
The cessation of contact leads to the cessation of feeling;
The cessation of feeling leads to the cessation of craving;
The cessation of craving leads to the cessation of clinging;
The cessation of clinging leads to the cessation of becoming;
The cessation of becoming leads to the cessation of birth;
The cessation of birth leads to the cessation of aging;
The cessation of aging leads to the cessation of death;
The cessation of death leads to the cessation of segregate activity;
The cessation of segregate activity leads to the cessation of imbalance phenomenon;
The cessation of imbalance phenomenon leads to the cessation of conditional phenomenon;
The cessation of conditional phenomenon leads to the cessation of time;
The cessation of time leads to unconditional freedom of basic elements - energy, matter and space.

Ultimately, pure energy, matter, and space elements would sustain in permanency with absence of time – this is the ambience of Nibbana.

Balance condition & Sentient beings

Balance is generally defined as a state of equilibrium or equipoise; equal distribution of weight, amount, etc; a condition of being steady; a state of equilibrium or parity characterised by cancellation of all forces by equal opposing forces; a harmonious or satisfying arrangement or proportion of parts or elements, as in a design.

Whereas, sentient is defined as responsive to or conscious of sense impressions; finely sensitive in perception or feeling. Sentient beings are denoted as beings with consciousness or sentience or specifically it denotes the presence of the five aggregates and are characteristically not enlightened and are thus confined to the death, rebirth and suffering characteristic of Samsara.

When we describe the characteristics of sentient beings, we are actually referring to the energy enclosed within the matter (body) that is subject to rising and falling events.

The conscious aggregates within the sentient beings would initiate thoughts or acts that are devoid of inherent existence. For every rising force of thoughts or acts, a new equal opposing force would arise as well across time i.e. past, present & future and plane of existence. Continuous rising and falling of thoughts or acts would shape the wheel of life.

As mentioned before, energy or matter is actually the same thing; both reflected in a different form. Just like, cause or effect is the same thing; both reflected in a different time of event.

Let us look at the following illustrations: -

Cause = Effect

Cause 1 conjures up Effect 1;

Effect 1 conjures up Cause 1-1;

.., etc.

Action = Reaction

Action 1 conjures up Reaction 1;

Reaction 1 conjures up Action 1-1;

.., etc.

If present,

Cause 1 > Effect 1;

Action 1 > Reaction 1

future will be,

Effect 1 > Cause 1-1;

Reaction 1 > Action 1-1*

* This is the scenario of a good person having to face with unfortunate events; a bad person having to enjoy fortunate events in a life time.

For example,

Loan $100 ó Repayment $100

If today,

Loan $100 > Repayment $100

tomorrow will be,

Repayment > new Loan $100

In another scenario, balance condition could be depicted in the act of giving and taking i.e.

The rise of free taking (reward) leads to the rise of accountable giving (sacrifice);

The rise of free giving (sacrifice) leads to the rise of unaccountable taking (reward).

A cessation of conditional phenomena (balance & imbalance) would lead to cessation of cyclic influences i.e. when action ceased; reaction ceased, when cause ceased; effect ceased.

And the antidote to the cessation of it would be radiating loving-kindness and compassion that act as means for weakening the link of suffering in the wheel of life.

The principle in effect: -

A stream of loving-kindness and compassion would conjure up empathy;

A stream of empathy would conjure up boundless;

A stream of boundless would conjure up voidness;

A stream of voidness would conjure up stillness;

A stream of stillness would conjure up peacefulness;

A stream of peacefulness would conjure up Enlightenment.

As a summary, every existence i.e. sentient, non-sentient, or any material things consist of energy and matter that would orientate towards the balance condition as according to the equilibrium law of nature.

Under balance phenomena, one could witness shapes or forms arise; under imbalance phenomena, one could see no shapes or forms arise - and the cycle of conditional phenomena continues repeatedly.

Law of Cause & Effect in Motion

Generally speaking, there are two categories of motion – constant and variable motion.

When we mention that the rising force of something would generate a new equal opposing force (law of balancing), we are actually referring to action or cause and reaction or effect process under constant motion phenomenon.

But under variable motion phenomenon, the law of balancing would orientate in a unique harmonising mechanism.

Let us look at the following illustrations: -

Constant Motion

Under constant motion circumstance, come factor equals to become factor: -

Come factor = Become factor

Variable Motion

Acceleration

When come factor accelerates, the relative become factor would decelerate: -

Come factor ↑, Become factor ↓

(End results: Mental & physical progresses slow down à time dilation circumstance in Einstein’s special theory of relativity).

Deceleration

When come factor decelerates, the relative become factor would accelerate: -

Come factor ↓, Become factor ↑

(End results: Mental & physical progresses speed up à ambience of meditation. For now, we know that meditation is the way to speed up the path to Enlightenment and that is why monks or nuns need to become celibate and disengage themselves from the common society before re-engage again for spreading Dhamma.)

In reality, we always exist in motion that varies under the influence of conditional phenomena and this scenario coincides with the Buddha’s saying that the working result of Karma was one of the four unconjecturables and to speculate about it would bring madness and vexation to anyone who conjectured about it.

Space and Time

Some people may say that time is an illusion and does not exist after all. So, what actually is time?

Frankly speaking, time is something that is created; not born (a non-natural existence). Time is an indicator for event; whereas length, width & height are indicators for size and volume.

All these indicators belong to a category named as dimension. In other words, dimension is created for the task of measurement per se and therefore, not something that arises out naturally.

Also, time is a scalar factor. A scalar refers to a quantity or phenomenon that exhibits magnitude only, with no specific direction. Example of scalars include speed, mass, electrical resistance, and hard-drive storage capacity. Any interval of time is also scalar - it has magnitude only.

On the other hand, space is a natural element in the realm of existence; just like energy and matter elements as well. Space is merely a plane for all activities of existence i.e. the orientation of energy or matter elements under balance and imbalance conditional phenomena.

Presently, scientists have discovered that space has three spatial dimensions (length, width & height) and one temporal dimension; that is time. In cosmology, the concept of spacetime combines space and time to a single abstract universe. In fact, there is another X-factor dimension exists to accommodate for non-discerning circumstances.

As a summary, we could mention that the three spatial dimensions were created for expressing all existence under static phenomena and the combination of 3 + 1 + X-factor dimensions were created for expressing all existence under dynamic phenomena.

What actually happens to an object under accelerating motion?

When an object is set under accelerating motion, the becoming process of the object would be stretched as compared with a relative object that is set under constant or decelerating motion.

In other words, the becoming process of the object has been slowed down comparatively; not the time has been dilated or slowed down. Time would only assume the expression that the becoming process has slowed down and not the other way round.

Similarly, the word of time has been used frequently for expressing different scenario of becoming processes, such as follows: -

NO TIME = an expression of no opportunity for a new becoming process to begin.

TIME TO TIME = an expression of moving from past to present becoming process; present to future becoming process.

TIME PASSED SLOWLY = an expression of hoping for a faster becoming process.

TIME DILATION = an expression that becoming process slows down.

Once again, time is a dimension because it is a scale of measurement created for gauging event of changes. Therefore, time could not be self-sustainable and has no entity. For one to reflect time as an entity is a point of view based on delusion, just like the misconception of self entity in beings.

When there is no becoming process, there is no time. So, time does not exist in Nibbana.

Summary

· An enlightened mind sees things directly without delusion. It sees into the deepest fact about things; not superficially that is delusive in nature.

· An enlightened mind see things in wholesome manner – in totality of perspectives at all times.

· An enlightened mind is considered the omnipotence and omniscience because it sees clearly on all things deep into the within of the within; without hesitation.

Thus have I seen; thus have I known; thus have I let go and liberate – this is the Buddha nature.

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Caps-clothings SG

spam

realization SG

Hi Takso, you broke up your reply into two posts and I have only read the first part for now. I will read the rest later :)

For now, I'm just a little confused that you have mentioned the emptiness of emptiness, yet also mentioned that emptiness inherently exists. Does emptiness have an inherent quality?

Also, you mentioned: "The above is a rather strange paradox but still logical because emptiness is a universal or infinite phenomenon. Therefore, it is evident that object could arise out of emptiness due to the 2^nd scenario clarified as above and it is the ambience for the origination of existence."

I have so far been under the impression that emptiness is a quality, or a manner of description, and not some "universal or infinite phenomenon" as you have stated. To say that emptiness is "the ambience for the origination of existence" seems to reify a backdrop against which phenomenon arises; it goes against saying that emptiness is empty.

Could you clarify?

Takso SG

Hi realization,

As again, your questions would point to describing the same elephant from different perspectives among different beings.

Let us analyse this. The general definition of universal and infinite is as follows: -

Infinite = immesurably great; unbounded; unlimited.

Universal = applicable to all purposes, conditions, or situation, adaptable or adjustable to many circumstances.

From the above desciptions, I believe you would be clear on the characteristics of emptiness.

As mentioned earlier, emptiness corresponds to 2 distinct scenarios: -

1. Inherent existence.

2. Dependent arising.

Point 1 - It means that if we focus purely on emptiness, it cannot be segmented or dissected further to see the real origin. Emptiness is not dependent on any other origin components to produce emptiness. Emptiness in itself is the core and basic origin. Therefore, it has unchanging nature that all conventional phenomena lack. This conclusion is made from the Ultimate perspective - seeing into the within of the within.

Point 2 - Emptiness would not exist without a dependent partner. If there were no objects to analyse, then emptiness as such could not be realised. Without objects, there can be no emptiness - a circumstance that points to emptiness of emptiness. This conclusion is made from the Conventional perspective - seeing as a subject on the other side of the object or matter.

As a summary, an enlightened mind would see and realise on both the above scenarios at the same time (a wholesome conclusion).

Takso SG

If one stays on with seeing Conventional Truth, one would remain in Samsara.

If one stays on with seeing both Conventional Truth & Ultimate Truth, one has the choice of remaining in Samsara or Nibbana.

If one stays on with seeing Ultimate Truth, one would remain in Nibbana.

Takso SG

Anything that inherently exists would not involve change.

Created objects cannot inherently exist since that would involve change.

The emptiness of inherent existence of the mind is called the Buddha nature.

The potential movement of the mind from non-enlightenment towards a state of enlightenment would not be possible if the mind itself existed inherently.

In other words, emptiness is what makes the transformation towards Buddhahood possible.

realization SG

Takso, there's a bit more I'd like to discuss. Will post in a day or two.

An Eternal Now SG

Takso, some of the stuff you said is theoretically sound, however I do not agree with making emptiness an inherent existence.

Emptiness is the unchanging nature of all phenomena, that is true. However it is simply the 'lacking of findability, metaphysical essence, graspability, locatability' that is being spoken of. In other words, the nature of all things are that they are nature-less, they are empty of inherent existence or attributes.

Emptiness is empty of inherent existence.. there is no inherent existence of emptiness. There is no findability of an "unfindability". Emptiness is just this unfindability of an inherent existence anywhere: of a self (subjective experiencer), or an object (any experienced object).

Don't make emptiness into another view - emptiness is merely a non-asserting negation.

As Namdrol says here:

Dependent origination is not a view. It is the pacification of views. Emptiness is not a view, it is the pacification of views. This is stated countless times in Madhyamaka texts.

Where there is no view, there is no proliferation. Where there is no proliferation, there is no view.

view = proliferation.

N

Lastly, I would suggest meditating on the luminous nature of mind first (luminous clarity, luminous presence, pure awareness), and then seeing the inseparability of luminosity and emptiness. Otherwise the understanding of emptiness remains conceptual. Dzogchen, Mahamudra, Zen, and so on stresses a lot about this. Even Theravada too, but in another more gradual way.

An Eternal Now SG

Law of Dependent Origination (Profound Version)

So far, all the available texts or sutras on the Buddha’s teachings have pointed out ignorance as the first link or cause in the wheel of life.

However, if one was to observe this aspect of ignorance intently, it simply could not arise out of nowhere or out of thin air. Definitely, it has to arise out of memorised events that have taken place beforehand.

When one lives well in the present, one would lead to the cessation of memories of the past and this would subsequently lead to the cessation of ignorance in the future.

The principle in effect: -

No!

This is false. The Buddha never taught that cessation of memory leads to cessation of ignorance. Rather, he taught that knowledge and vision (realization of emptiness) leads to the end of ignorance. So what you provided is a falsely fabricated version of dependent origination that is simply false.

First of all, we CANNOT cease memory (apart from being merely a temporary shamatha state that does not liberate) - memory will always be a necessary and important function in our everyday lives. The Buddha himself remembered 91 aeons of his past lives. Also, Buddha never taught anything like 'living in the present moment means no more ignorance'.

You can live in the present moment and still be as ignorant as ever (the sense of self and clinging is imprinted and latent, and cannot be removed merely by remaining in a non-conceptual state). Also, you can engage in recalling events of the past, and still be as wise (i.e. your wisdom of emptiness is never diminished by the activity of recalling). What is required is realization into anatta and emptiness. There is thinking, no thinker. Thoughts are empty but vividly manifest. Recalling, engaging in thoughts is not an affliction (Buddhas and awakened beings continue to do that) - it is the view of selfness that is the cause of afflictions.

I think this is a very poor understanding of dharma by the author.

I don't have time but hope simpo_ can comment when he sees fit. (I will only be back in Singapore a week later) I know some of our moderators are often busy, but for the sake of right dharma being propagated and remain in the world, sometimes we all (not just monks and nuns) have the responsibility to do our part and engage in sharing our insights and experience. It seems that those who truly know are getting rare in this degenerate age.

An Eternal Now SG

First of all, Enlightenment is not a far-fetched thing; achievable only by the privileged ones or the chosen ones or the qualified ones sitting in ivory towers.

Instead, it is such a mundane realisation, just like in the passing of days and nights. Yes, when we talked about Enlightenment, we talked about Realisation, that’s it. The rest of argument is trivial and varies according to the beholders.

It is not mundane but supramundane -

As I would say, and as the Buddha have said: "This doctrine is profound, hard to see, difficult to understand, calm, sublime, not within the sphere of logic, subtle,to be understood by the wise". -- MAJJHIMA NIKĀYA

Only those awakened - not mundane ordinary worldlings - can have direct experiential insight and knowledge of the dharma.

Every second; every minute, every hour; every day & night - we observe things, let things pass by; learn something; let go something & finally realise something. Somehow, we have actually learned, graduated & liberated out of something without much realising. In other words, every one of us has actually tasted “little” Enlightenment in one way or another and this has already become good and sweet motivation for us to elevate up and move forward until we are ready to fully liberate ourselves from this Samsara realm.

Enlightenment isn't just 'learning more things' since 'learning more things' can mean 'learning more mundane things.

Enlightenment is the realization of the nature of reality, the inseperability of luminosity and emptiness, the nature of phenomenon, the realization of anatta and emptiness that can liberate us from all clinging, proliferations, and views.

Also, the realization of anatta, emptiness, is permanent and once seen cannot be unseen. It is not something you learn "bit by bit". Learning bit by bit is conceptual knowledge, not direct experiential realization of anatta or emptiness.

An Eternal Now SG

Stage 4 Ultimate Realisation

· All dependent arising are completely blown off or extinguished.

· No string attached; nothing is left remaining.

· Infinite, unchanging, permanent and unconditional.

· Exists beyond all phenomena.

There is no emptiness that exists beyond all phenomena.

First of all, 'existence' is a false concept - Nirvana is empty, samsara is empty, emptiness is empty. The emptiness of inherent existence is precisely what emptiness means.

simpo_ SG

I don't have time but hope simpo_ can comment when he sees fit. (I will only be back in Singapore a week later)

Hi All,

Will write as a sharing from my understanding only.

No-self and emptiness are profound realisations. They have to be directly experienced.

With each realisation, the understanding of our self and its relationship to the phenomenal world changes.The changes (in understanding) are very dramatic, especially for the insight of emptiness. There are not something that you can reason or think your way into realisation.

These realisations are often accompanied by direct expereinces of perceptual clarity, vividness, penetrating transparency and luminousity. However, it is alway stressed that these qualities must not be attached too.

Also, will like to stress that initial realisations are just 'entry points' to further refinement and development. More often than not, they do not mean that we are fully enlightened.

To see if we are fully enlightened, we must be honest with ourselves. Do we still have frustrations under life threatening or difficult circumstances? If we are, then we are not fully enlightened. I, for one, cannot say than i am fully enlightened. But, certainly can understand and experience how the realisations (of no-self and emptiness) and the sustaining of them leads to resolution.

2009novice SG

Law of Dependent Origination (Profound Version)

So far, all the available texts or sutras on the Buddha’s teachings have pointed out ignorance as the first link or cause in the wheel of life.

However, if one was to observe this aspect of ignorance intently, it simply could not arise out of nowhere or out of thin air. Definitely, it has to arise out of memorised events that have taken place beforehand.

When one lives well in the present, one would lead to the cessation of memories of the past and this would subsequently lead to the cessation of ignorance in the future.

The principle in effect: -

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I don't remember there are extra things in the 12 yin yuan leh...

e.g. The cessation of aggregate activity leads to cessation of information;
The cessation of information leads to cessation of memory;
The cessation of memory leads to the cessation of ignorance; etc etc

But why do u agree that cessation of memory leads to ignorance...?

Some people passed away but reborn with their past lives habit... we called 习气 lol or habits. These habits can be bad... like lying. It is the best example of ignorance.

Furthermore, the text i highlighted blue... i don't quite agree... how do you explain dukkha and where it come from? I felt that, it just comes from our unenlightened mind, clinging onto something that subjected to change. If it changes for the bad... we suffer (dukka comes lol) - not understanding emptiness

Takso SG

Dear All,

The only way to cease all the arguments, twisting of words or understanding is to meditate, meditate, and meditate.

As simpo has mentioned, to see if we are enlightened, we must be honest with ourselves. I fully agreed on this statement.

The fact is that no concepts, words or language could describe or interpret precisely one's experiences.

When one realise fully on the present moment, the memory aggregate would eventually vanish; for memory of the past would lead to new becoming process in the future, and thus ignorance continues eventually across time and plane of existence.

Remember, there is no mind, no memory, no becoming, no clinging, no desire, no ignorance, no happiness, no sadness, no changing in the eternal bliss of Nibbana. If one desire to attain full enlightenment - one has to see it, know it, let go and liberate. Dukkha would diminish along the way - the more of realisation leads to the more of cessation => ultimate realisation = ultimate cessation.

A word of advice to all is that do not be receptive, do not be defensive, just stays cool and analyse thoroughly on any mentioned words, texts, sutras, etc. Be wise to apply Middle Path approach as recommended by the Buddha.

Apply your wisdom and you would find your answers to it. The door is open and you need to walk in the path by yourself; someone could only shine the light or show the way in.

Therefore, one should apply wisdom in all thoughts or actions and never be too fascinated or obsessed with what was written or mentioned in the so-called texts, doctrines, sutras, etc.

I wish you all a fruitful journey to Enlightenment.

Takso SG

The world is not a closed one. Those who see, read, hear and evaluate for themselves can find the truth they seek.

The role of religion in this era is not as a blockade but to help explain and educate in a mature manner.

Be bound-less, be stereotype-less, be label-less. Mould a right attitude and it would open up a new horizon of things.

An Eternal Now SG

The only way to cease all the arguments, twisting of words or understanding is to meditate, meditate, and meditate.

I have, and it is very clear from experiential insight that you are twisting the words of Buddha and misrepresenting the Dharma. Please reflect and study more and don't misrepresent the Dharma.

Remember, there is no mind, no memory, no becoming, no clinging, no desire, no ignorance, no happiness, no sadness, no changing in the eternal bliss of Nibbana.

There is sense perceptions, there is mind, there is memory in the Nirvana with remainder (Nirvana experienced by the arahant before bodily breakup). There is no sense perceptions nor mind after the bodily breakup of the Arahant after his final passing, known as Nirvana without remainder.

The Nirvana with remainder is simply cessation of the three poisons: craving, aversion and ignorance. Past karmas will surface to give rise to consciousness, mind, sense experiences, and obviously memory.

There is no liberation through cessation of memory. Or rather, there is no cessation of ignorance through cessation of memory. Cessation of ignorance is through knowledge and vision of things as they are (anatta and emptiness), not 'ceasing memory' or 'staying with the present'. Liberation is solely through the arising of insight/wisdom that sees the true nature of phenomena, thus ending ignorance, leading to dispassion and relinquishing of afflictions, clinging, craving, and suffering. Having ended afflictions, there is no more causes for a future samsaric birth.

More importantly, liberation is not through 'living in the present moment'. You can live in the present moment and still no insights occur, and still you remain as ignorant as ever, and still you are as far from liberation as ever. Staying with the 'present' is simply a shamatha practice.

Takso SG

Have wisdom will do; do not be afraid of own shadow :)

Amitayus48 SG

Enlightenment is bodhicitta, the inherent buddhaness of all beings; Awakening is the realization of inherent enlightenment; Nirvana is the actualization of Enlightenment through the method of awakening :D

An Eternal Now SG

Hi All,

Will write as a sharing from my understanding only.

No-self and emptiness are profound realisations. They have to be directly experienced.

Also, will like to stress that initial realisations are just 'entry points' to further refinement and development. More often than not, they do not mean that we are fully enlightened.

Yes what you said is very true. That is why there is a gradation from 1st bhumi to 10 bhumi, sotapanna to arahantship. The realization of anatta/emptiness is the same between sotapanna and arhant, 1st bhumi bodhisattva and Buddha, while the afflictions removed and qualities attained differ according to the stages.

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