Commentary:
The use of kung-un or Hua-tou in Chan practice is intelligently strategized by Chan Masters. They are utilized because they are objectless method of Chan meditation. Kung-an or Hua-tou does not create the notion of object. When there is no notion of an object, the notion of subject also does not arise. Subject and object are relative. They arise simultaneously. Kung-an and Hua-tou are utilized to destroy the notion of subject and object even at the beginning state of Chan meditation. Hence, they are effective in creating a great doubt at the beginning of the practice.
Conversely, the objects such as breath, Buddha’s name and mantra are object methods of meditation. The meditation has to commence with the notion of subject-object distinction. The meditator is the subject and the method is the object. Finally, the method must be abandoned to destroy the attachment to the method and to self. The method begins with existence and ends with Emptiness (of inherent existence not nothingness).
As long as there exists the subject-object distinction, self-enlightenment does not occur. Both the subject and object must be vaporized in order to attain the state of No-mind which is the experience of genuine self-enlightenment. No-mind is a the pure consciousness devoid of self or ego. Self or ego is annihilated through right mindfulness, clear awareness and non-clinging in the process of meditation. In actual fact, the silent illumination of the Chan meditational practice is synonymous with the practice of the four establishments of mindfulness (Satipaṭṭhāna) – the sole path (ekāyana) to Nirvāṇa. All Buddhist meditational methods eventually converge to the four establishments of mindfulness so as to safeguard the six sense doors to annihilate self or ego.
Editor’s Note:
In the Vimalak̄irti Sūtra, layman Bodhisattva Vimalakīrti discouraged Arahant Śāriputra not to sit in formal meditation. Why? Many Theravādins remarked that Vimalakī̄rti was abusive in disparaging Śāriputra, the foremost disciple of Gotama Buddha in wisdom. In actuality, the Bodhisattva transmitted a profound message to Śāriputra.
To be continued ….
