Principle and Phenomenon

By Madhyama

Discerning distinction
Between phenomena and principle
Entrance into the door of Chan.
Phenomena being impermanent multiplicity ;
Principle being the eternal Essence.
Essence being the Buddha-nature.
Phenomena being the illusive appearances ;
Principle being the eternal Reality.

Appearances veiling the Reality
Like clouds concealing the bright moon.
Perceiving the illusion of multiplicity,
Perceiving Reality;
Revealing the Buddha-nature.
In communion with Buddha-nature,
True self being born, and
False self being annihilated.

Signs, marks or characteristics
Conceptualized with language.
Concepts mere mental constructs
Or false imaginations of fabrications.
The Essence is Emptiness.
Emptiness akin to the ocean;
Multiplicity akin to the waves.
No waves in the tranquil ocean;

Buddha-mind –
Mind of the undisturbed ocean;
Ordinary mind –
Mind of the ocean waves.
Buddha-mind being no-mind.
No-mind -
the mind of complete appeasement-
the Nirvāṇic mind.

Auto-commentary by the writer:

Although this Buddhist poetry is Dharma-oriented, this is actually one common truth expounded by all esoteric religions. The Buddha promulgates that there is, only one truth, it cannot be two. All eventually make a redeemed journey to the Origin of cosmos – the Way of Truth.