The expression ‘A true monk is completely decided’ conveys the message that ‘The self-enlightened monk is settled’. He is settled or completely appeased or stilled mentally because he has perceived his Buddha-nature intuitively. If one has still not comprehended the message of mental settlement or appeasement , he may seek further clarification from the Chan Master who has already reached the Origin (Root) – self-redemption. The Origin is Nirvāṇa. To tune the mind of the ordinary worldling to concur with the Buddha-mind, one must seek an esoteric or inward journey to the Centre or Root of human heart – the Buddha-mind. To confirm that one indeed has realized the Buddha-nature , one has to discern the Buddha-nature through the non-discriminative wisdom in order to manifest the non-dwelling mind (apratiṣṭhitaṃ cittaṃ). The non-dwelling mind is the no-mind state in which the mind dwells on nothing and produce released or pure consciousness. The no-mind refers to Buddha-mind which is undefiled by all internal and external stimuli. It is the state in which the ordinary consciousness (vijñāna) has been transformed into wisdom (prajñā). Wisdom is the product of the annihilation of the notion of I or Mine – the illusive selfish or egoistic self superimposed by the ordinary wordlings.
Vimalakīrtinirdeśa Sūtra elucidates it thus: It sees without seeing. In other words, the six sense faculties perceive everything without being contaminated. It is akin to the metaphor of Lotus flower which is uncontaminated by sullied soils and water, its sullied surroundings in the pond.
However, if a practitioner is always seeking exoterically or outwardly and does not seek esoterically or inwardly, the Chan master will find it difficult to guide or instruct him or her. The ‘Twigs’ refer to exterior life of the manifest diversifying phenomena which are illusive, apparent and unreal. The ‘Root’ refers to the unmanifest Absolute of Buddha-nature. Twigs are appearances whilst the Root is the Reality. The former is the Conventional Truth (saṃvṛti satya) which veils the Ultimate Truth (Paramārtha Satya) of Buddha-nature (Tathāgata-garbha) existing innately in all sentient beings. The twigs can also be compared to the metaphor of reflected moons in the water. The Roots can be likened to the real Moon in the sky. The ordinary worldlings merely perceive the reflected moons in the water but never perceive the real Moon obscured by dark clouds in the sky. The dark clouds in the sky can be compared to the metaphor of human ignorance. The saints perceive the real Moon clearly in the sky as the dark clouds have been blown away by the wind which is comparable to the analogy of Perfection of Wisdom which dispels ignorance (avidyā).
To be continued …..
