marcteng SG I was once told, when the thought of Buddha appeared in the mind, kill the Buddha. whatever thoughts that appeared in our mind, we acknowledged it and then get rid of it. This is the essence of Zen isn't it.
marcteng SG When the thought of Buddha or Bodhisattvas appeared in our mind, it is mara masquerading as Buddha or Bodhisattvas isn't it. I reckon a lot of people fell into the trap thinking it is the real Buddha or being disrespectful to the Buddha.
bohiruci SG only if your understanding of Zen is complete Zen or Chan is based on all World Pheonomenon are Illusory and give up the thoughts of that , but not quite the same as in the Virtual Realness in Pureland Buddhism do not attempt to take this as practice only if u undergo a good zen master
earthling82 SG when the thought of Buddha appears in one mind. Just let it be. Know it. No further action is required. Hence there is no need to 1. Kill it 2. Reckon it as Mara 3. Give it up You may find commentaries in scriptures from both Mahayana and Theravada scriptures -- "Inaction with regards to all phenomenas". In summary to be firm as a mountain no matter what happens.
An Eternal Now SG Agreed. Do not label the thought as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ – just let it be. Same for all other thoughts that arise – be aware of it, but don’t seek or analyse it. Thoughts are merely conditioned arisings. Treat it as naturally as breathing, and heart beat. The true Buddha is that knowing/awareness.
