Month: April 2024

The Dharma-Door of Non-duality

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The Dharma-Door of Non-duality

In a vibrant assembly of enlightened bodhisattvas, Licchavi Vimalakirti, renowned for his wisdom, posed a profound question: “Esteemed friends, could you elucidate how bodhisattvas embrace the path of non-duality?”

With reverence, the bodhisattvas began to share their insights:

Dharmavikurvana, with a voice resonating like a gentle breeze, shared, “The profound realization that nothing truly arises or ceases to exist leads one to the gateway of non-duality. In recognizing the inherent birthlessness of all phenomena, one transcends the dualistic notions of production and destruction.”

Srigandha, with eyes sparkling with clarity, offered, “By relinquishing the illusory concepts of ‘self’ and ‘possessions,’ one can truly embody non-duality. When there is no presumption of ownership or attachment, the mind finds liberation from the chains of dualistic thinking.”

Srikuta, with a serene countenance, added, “To journey towards non-duality is to perceive defilement without clinging to the notion of purification. When one comprehends the inseparability of defilement and purity, the path towards the cessation of all conceit unfolds.”

Bhadrajyotis, with unwavering focus, declared, “In the absence of distraction, the mind attains a state of pure presence. When the turbulence of mental activity subsides, one enters the tranquil expanse of non-duality.”

Subahu, with a gentle smile, shared, “To transcend the distinctions between ‘bodhisattva-spirit’ and ‘disciple-spirit’ is to realize the sameness of all beings. When the mind sees beyond the illusion of hierarchical distinctions, true non-duality dawns.”

As each bodhisattva contributed their unique perspective on non-duality, the atmosphere was imbued with profound wisdom. They explored concepts such as grasping and non-grasping, uniqueness and characterlessness, good and evil, sinfulness and sinlessness, knowledge and ignorance, and more, each offering a facet of the jewel of non-duality.

Finally, when all had spoken, the bodhisattvas turned to Manjusri, the embodiment of transcendent wisdom, seeking his guidance. With a compassionate smile, Manjusri responded, “Your words are profound, yet they still dwell within the realm of duality. True non-duality transcends all concepts and expressions.”

Turning to Vimalakirti, the bodhisattvas awaited his insight. However, Vimalakirti remained silent, his presence radiating boundless tranquility. In his silence, he conveyed the ineffable truth of non-duality, beyond the limitations of language and conceptualization.

Impressed by Vimalakirti’s profound silence, Manjusri applauded, acknowledging the depth of his realization. “Truly, noble sir, your silence speaks volumes. In the absence of words, you have demonstrated the essence of non-duality.”

With this realization, a profound sense of clarity descended upon the assembly. Five thousand bodhisattvas, inspired by the teachings of Vimalakirti and Manjusri, embarked on the journey towards non-duality, embracing the boundless expanse of wisdom and compassion.

Link: https://wisdomtea.org/2024/04/25/the-dharma-door-of-non-duality/

The Family of the Tathágatas

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The Family of the Tathágatas

The conversation between Crown Prince Manjusri and the Licchavi Vimalakirti unfolded like this:

Manjusri inquired about how a bodhisattva progresses towards attaining the qualities of a Buddha. Vimalakirti’s response was unconventional. He explained that a bodhisattva follows the path to Buddha-hood by seemingly straying from conventional norms.

Vimalakirti elaborated on this by describing how a bodhisattva navigates through various experiences without being ensnared by them. Even amidst engaging in actions that might conventionally be considered wrong or detrimental, the bodhisattva remains untainted by negative emotions or attachments.

He illustrated scenarios where the bodhisattva interacts with desire, hatred, folly, avarice, immorality, and other aspects of human experience, yet maintains a state of equanimity, compassion, and wisdom.

Vimalakirti emphasized that the bodhisattva’s journey involves transcending dualities and embracing paradoxes. Their actions and choices, though unconventional, are guided by compassion and the intention to alleviate suffering and lead beings towards enlightenment.

Manjusri further questioned Vimalakirti about the concept of the “family of the Tathágatas.” Manjusri explained that this family encompasses all aspects of human experience, including egoism, ignorance, passion, and various forms of delusion. He emphasized that even seemingly negative qualities contribute to the bodhisattva’s journey towards enlightenment.

Vimalakirti concurred, emphasizing that the path to enlightenment involves embracing the entirety of human experience, including its passions and challenges. He likened this journey to pearls growing in the depths of muddy swamps, suggesting that enlightenment blossoms amidst the complexities and struggles of life.

The elder Maha-Kasyapa echoed this sentiment, asserting that only those who have experienced the depths of human existence, including the five deadly sins, can truly appreciate and aspire towards enlightenment. He highlighted the limitations of disciples who, despite their knowledge, may lack the capacity to fully comprehend the qualities of the Buddha.

The bodhisattva Sarvarupasamdarsana then posed a series of questions to Vimalakirti, inquiring about his familial relationships and possessions. In response, Vimalakirti conveyed a profound spiritual perspective, illustrating how the bodhisattva’s true family consists of wisdom, compassion, and the pursuit of enlightenment.

He described how the bodhisattva’s relationships and possessions are metaphorical, representing virtues and practices essential for spiritual growth. Vimalakirti emphasized that the bodhisattva’s true wealth lies in the Dharma and their dedication to the well-being and enlightenment of all beings.

Through these exchanges, Vimalakirti elucidated the unconventional yet compassionate path of the bodhisattva, challenging conventional notions of right and wrong while emphasizing the importance of wisdom, compassion, and skillful means on the journey towards enlightenment.

Link: https://wisdomtea.org/2024/04/18/the-family-of-the-tathagatas/

The Goddess

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The Goddess

In a serene setting, amidst a gathering of wise souls, the crown prince Manjusri turned to Vimalakirti, a revered figure among the Licchavi, seeking guidance on the profound matter of how a bodhisattva should perceive all living beings.

Vimalakirti responded with wisdom, likening the perspective of a bodhisattva to that of a wise observer seeing the reflection of the moon in water or a magician viewing creations of magic. He elaborated on various analogies, each illustrating the ephemeral nature of existence and the illusionary quality of worldly phenomena.

He explained that a bodhisattva, realizing the ultimate truth of selflessness, perceives all beings through this lens of understanding.

Manjusri, intrigued, inquired further about how such perception leads to the cultivation of great love for all beings.

Vimalakirti elucidated that as a bodhisattva comprehends the interconnectedness of all existence and the impermanent nature of reality, they naturally develop boundless love. This love is characterized by its selflessness, peace, and alignment with the truth, transcending conflicts and dualities.

He described the qualities of this love, emphasizing its purity, compassion, and tireless dedication to the liberation and enlightenment of all beings.

Manjusri then sought clarification on the nature of great compassion, great joy, and equanimity of a bodhisattva, to which Vimalakirti provided profound insights.

Their conversation unfolded, delving into the roots of suffering, the path to liberation, and the nature of reality itself. Through eloquent exchanges, Vimalakirti and Manjusri navigated intricate philosophical inquiries, unraveling the essence of existence and the boundless potential of awakening.

Amidst their dialogue, a divine presence manifested, drawn by the profound teachings being shared. The goddess interjected, offering her perspective and challenging conventional notions of identity and enlightenment.

With her enigmatic words, she prompted profound contemplation, inviting the assembly to transcend fixed beliefs and embrace the boundless potential of awakening.

In a display of magical prowess, she transformed the elder Shariputra, prompting a deeper understanding of the fluid nature of existence and the illusory quality of gender and identity.

As their discourse continued, Vimalakirti revealed the goddess’s profound spiritual attainments, affirming her mastery of wisdom and compassion, and her unwavering commitment to the welfare of all beings.

In the presence of such spiritual luminaries, the boundaries of conventional understanding dissolved, paving the way for profound insights and transformative awakening.

Link: https://wisdomtea.org/2024/04/11/the-goddess/

Consolation of the Invalid

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Consolation of the Invalid

Then, the Buddha, seated serenely under the Bodhi tree, turned to his esteemed disciple, Crown Prince Manjusri, and uttered with a tone of gentle authority, “Manjusri, I entrust upon you a task of great importance. Go forth to the abode of Licchavi Vimalakirti and inquire about his ailment.”

Manjusri, revered for his wisdom and insight, hesitated momentarily, acknowledging the renowned intellect and eloquence of Vimalakirti. Despite the apprehension gnawing at the edges of his resolve, he bowed reverently to the Buddha and replied, “Lord, your command is my honor to fulfill. Though the task may be daunting, I shall embark upon this journey guided by your divine grace.”

In the vast assembly of bodhisattvas, disciples, celestial beings, and gods, anticipation hung palpably in the air. The prospect of witnessing the exchange between Manjusri, the embodiment of wisdom, and Vimalakirti, the paragon of skillful means, promised profound insights into the essence of existence.

With a retinue of bodhisattvas and celestial beings trailing in his wake, Manjusri set forth towards the great city of Vaisali, where Vimalakirti resided.

Meanwhile, within the confines of his humble abode, Vimalakirti, perceiving the approach of Manjusri and his entourage through his boundless wisdom, willed his dwelling into a state of emptiness. Magically, the physical trappings dissolved into nothingness, leaving only the sickbed upon which he reclined, a solitary beacon amidst the void.

As Manjusri crossed the threshold into Vimalakirti’s ethereal abode, the air crackled with anticipation. Vimalakirti, perceiving Manjusri’s arrival through the subtle currents of cosmic consciousness, greeted him with a warm smile, his voice resonating with profound tranquility. “Manjusri, welcome,” he exclaimed, his words transcending the bounds of ordinary speech. “Your presence graces my humble abode. Here you stand, yet you neither come nor go. You are heard, yet no sound reverberates in this emptiness.”

Manjusri, humbled by Vimalakirti’s words, inquired about his well-being with genuine concern. “Householder,” he began, “how fares your health? Is your affliction bearable? Does the light of the Buddha’s teachings bring solace to your heart?”

Vimalakirti, reclining upon his sickbed with an air of serene resignation, responded with profound insight. “Manjusri, my ailment springs forth from the well of ignorance, nourished by the relentless currents of samsara. As long as sentient beings endure the scourge of affliction, so too shall my suffering persist. For the bodhisattva, the suffering of all beings is but his own, borne with boundless compassion.”

Their conversation, like a symphony of enlightenment, unfolded in intricate patterns of question and answer, each exchange revealing deeper layers of truth. Manjusri, ever the seeker of wisdom, probed Vimalakirti’s teachings with earnest curiosity, delving into the nature of emptiness, compassion, and the path to liberation.

Vimalakirti, with the clarity of a sage, expounded upon the bodhisattva’s domain, a realm where the boundaries between self and other, sickness and health, nirvana and samsara, dissolved into the boundless expanse of emptiness.

Their dialogue, a tapestry woven with threads of profound insight and compassionate wisdom, resonated throughout the cosmos, stirring the hearts of gods and beings across the celestial realms.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting an ethereal glow upon the tranquil landscape, Manjusri and Vimalakirti concluded their discourse. Eight thousand gods, inspired by the teachings of Vimalakirti, kindled the flame of enlightenment within their hearts, aspiring to traverse the path of liberation.

And so, amidst the infinite expanse of the cosmos, the encounter between Manjusri and Vimalakirti echoed as a timeless testament to the boundless potential of wisdom and compassion to illuminate the path to enlightenment for all sentient beings.

Link: https://wisdomtea.org/2024/04/04/consolation-of-the-invalid/