Discernment of the Wise: Phenomena and Principle Co-exist

by K.Wong

A worldling discriminates and the wise does not
A worldling dwells in phenomena without principle
The worldling grasps and is entangled
The wise dwells in phenomena with principle
He is delivered here and now
Through Interpenetration between phenomena and principle
The worldling perceives the world with grasping
Afflicted with vexation or suffering
The wise does not perceive the world with clinging
He is delivered from vexation and suffering

The worldling lives in multiplicity in delusion
Regarding the multiplicity as real
Characterized by greed, hatred and delusion
He is entangled by signs, marks …….
He transmigrates incessantly
The wise dwells in multiplicity with discernment
Transcending greed, hatred and delusion
The wise is disentangled by signs, marks …..
Phenomena are knowledge of conventional truth
Principle is the knowledge of ultimate Truth

Auto-commentary:

The worldling is ontologically committed* to multiplicity. The wise is not ontologically committed to multiplicity. The former lives in multiplicity deluding him or her. The wise lives in multiplicity and discerns its illusion. The principle and phenomena are said to be co-existing in the mind of the wise. Whoever penetrates into the distinction between phenomena and principle apprehends the profound teaching of the Buddha.

*Ontological commitment is a view of substantialism.
Ontological commitment conflicts with Dependent Co-arising