A Commentary on Song of Enlightenment

Commentary:

The treasure of Ultimate Truth can be utilized freely and unlimitedly for altruistic compassionate activities and for liberating others without any hesitation.

The Three Bodies refer to the body of transformation (nirmā̄nakāya), the body of bliss (sambhokāya) and the body of essence (dharmakāya). The body of transformation is the manifested body of Gotama Buddha’s body on earth as a supremely enlightened man in ancient India in the 6th century B.C.E. The Body of Bliss occupies the heavens in the form of a ruling and governing God of universe. It is the emanation of the body of essence (dharmakāya).The body of essence is the absolute Principle or Essence underlying the whole universe. Thus the body of essence, the Principle and rule of universe become synonymous with Nirvāṇa. In this sense, the Buddha and the God are synonymous.

There are four categories of wisdom according to Mahāyāna Tradition.They are enumerated as follows :

1. Wisdom of Accomplishment
2. Wisdom of Unfathomed Contemplation
3. Wisdom of Equanimity
4. Wisdom of complete Self-awakening

The Wisdom of Accomplishment is the initial accomplishment to transform the ordinary consciousness into Wisdom from the 5th sense consciousness of eye, ear nose, tongue and body consciousness. The Wisdom of Unfathomed Contemplation is the second successful accomplishment of transforming the 6th sense consciousness into Wisdom. The Wisdom of Equanimity is the third successful accomplishment of transforming the 7th sense consciousness into Wisdom. The Wisdom of Complete Self-awakening or Great Mirror Wisdom is the final successful transforming the 8th sense consciousness into Wisdom. These different categories of consciousness are more detailed analysis of the differing degrees of mental purity in the ascending order. They correspond with the differing degrees of the depth of self-enlightenment or profoundity of the intuitive discernment of Truth. The self-realization of Buddhahood or the attainment of perfection of wisdom perfects the three categories of body and the four categories of wisdoms.

The six powers or supernormal knowledges, enumerated as follows, may also be incorporated into the characteristic features of the enlightened Bodhisattva :

1. The power of psychokinesis
2. The power of clairaudience
3.  The power of telepathy
4. The power of retrospection
5. The power of clairvoyance
6. The power or knowledge of destruction of cankers.

In Buddhism, the sixth supernormal Knowledge of destruction of cankers is of paramount importance.The other five powers are not so important for personal development and Dharma cultivation. If they are wrongly utilized for display to gain fame and favours, they obstruct the path to self-enlightenment.

The eight manners of liberation can also be practised by the liberated Bodhisattva at ease. They are enumerated as follows :

1. Liberation through perception of impurities of external objects which suppress greed which have not arisen yet
2. Liberation through perception of impurities of external objects to strengthen the mind of non-greed
3. Liberation through original purity of Buddha-nature to suppress the arising of greed or liberation through the development of concentration.
4. Liberation through the realization of the Three Universal Characteristics with the meditative attainment of the state of infinite space
5. Liberation through the realization of the Three Universal Characteristics with the meditative attainment of the state of infinite consciousness
6. Liberation through the realization of the Three Universal Characteristics with the meditative attainment of the state of nothingness
7. Liberation of the realization of the Three Universal Characteristics with the meditative attainment of the state of neither perception nor non-perception
8. Liberation through the realization of the Three Universal Characteristics with the meditative attainment of the state of attainment of cessation