The teaching of Jesus as recorded in the New Testament is one of the most skillful teaching on the Absolute Truth.
First he elaborate why we need to know the Truth
He stressed that we MUST know the Truth for Only the Truth can set us free.
What did he meant by freedom ?
The Bible state "whosoever believe in him [ ie his teaching of the Truth ] will NOT perish but have Eternal life."
With this claim who can refuse to know the Truth.
Now all one need is to hear his Revelation of Truth
The Bible in one sentence POINT Directly to what he meant by Truth
" I Am the Way the TRUTH and the Life '
In other word all that one need to know is " What I AM "
In order that people do not literally assume I Am to be the person Jesus, he clarified by adding
" Before Abraham Was [past], I AM [timeless NOW]
I Am is Christ consciousness or the heart [center] of our local awareness in knowing, seeing, hearing
smelling, tasting and feeling by which one know the body, mind, and the world.
His final and most important message was
" No one get to my FATHER except through Me."
In summary to know the Truth is to simply Know "What Am I ? "
With this I conclude with the famous quote from Saint Francis of Assisi
" The Truth one looks for is THAT which is looking "
P.S. Yauhui have not posted for a long while.. It was a chance lunch meeting with his long time classmate Mr, Tan Seaw Nang that prompt him to blog again
P.S
Friday, November 25, 2016
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
Life Is A Dream, So What ?
All of us begin life believing sentient beings and the world are Real. For some of us who are lucky we encounter teachings from all religeous fronts to question our core believe on reality. In the quest for reality, we uncover that the world and its inhabitants are mere illusion having the nature of dream.
With this knowledge we tell the world that life is but a dream and yet we continue to identify with the illusionary dream character and believing in a doer. We have gained the knowledge that all is a dream, yet we behave no different from those who believe the world is real. The knowledge is not being applied. When applied it is called wisdom. This is just like a person who knew a fruit is poisonous and avoid eating it. What then can we label a person who knew the fruit is poison and still relish in eating it and wanting more.
Here is some of the benefits of KNOWing all is a dream. All dream objects although appear differently in the dream are in fact the same, illusionary and non existent. Having this wisdom one stop to discriminate based on appearance. We tame the sixth conciousness [intellect] by seeing its nature and not with suppression.
As the entire dream come from the ONE light of Awareness of the dreamer, we know there is no separation in the light though the images thrown by the lights appear to be many and separated. The waves are many and different and yet all have the nature of water ,no different from the Ocean and is One WHOLE with the ocean. This put an end to the believe in a self [individual] and others
Lastly all dreams arises from a dreamer and is witnessed by the dreamer. From this pointer we trace to That which witness and we reach the source, the dreamer of all dreams.
Knowing the world to be a mirage, why do we chase after it to qench our desire. It is like trying to quech our thirst drinking water which we knew is salted heavily
With this knowledge we tell the world that life is but a dream and yet we continue to identify with the illusionary dream character and believing in a doer. We have gained the knowledge that all is a dream, yet we behave no different from those who believe the world is real. The knowledge is not being applied. When applied it is called wisdom. This is just like a person who knew a fruit is poisonous and avoid eating it. What then can we label a person who knew the fruit is poison and still relish in eating it and wanting more.
Here is some of the benefits of KNOWing all is a dream. All dream objects although appear differently in the dream are in fact the same, illusionary and non existent. Having this wisdom one stop to discriminate based on appearance. We tame the sixth conciousness [intellect] by seeing its nature and not with suppression.
As the entire dream come from the ONE light of Awareness of the dreamer, we know there is no separation in the light though the images thrown by the lights appear to be many and separated. The waves are many and different and yet all have the nature of water ,no different from the Ocean and is One WHOLE with the ocean. This put an end to the believe in a self [individual] and others
Lastly all dreams arises from a dreamer and is witnessed by the dreamer. From this pointer we trace to That which witness and we reach the source, the dreamer of all dreams.
Knowing the world to be a mirage, why do we chase after it to qench our desire. It is like trying to quech our thirst drinking water which we knew is salted heavily
Sunday, November 10, 2013
The Great Mirror Wisdom
In Buddhist Teaching, one of the best pointer is The Great Mirror Wisdom, using the nature of mirror to represent the Ineffable Awareness [The Absolute Truth and the ONE Reality].
Now everyone know what a mirror is, but have we ever seen the Real face of a mirror ??
Let us take a mirror and direct it at a cloudless sky on a bright day. The mirror display a bright Void.
Now we direct the mirror to face the mountain and river, and it display mountains and rivers,
Lastly we take the mirror into a dark room and have darkness for its face.
In these Three states, the real face of the mirror is veiled by its reflections and is always hidden, but present throughout the three states. Without the mirror, non of the three display is possible.
With this understanding in mind ,let us compare it with our actual experiences. There are three states that cover all our experiences.
Starting with deep sleep, we have no experience of the world or living beings [mirror in the dark]
The sleep then give way to dreams followed by waking [Here the mirror is reflecting the space and forms of the dreamscape and landscape]
During the three states, our Awareness is always present, but awareness like the mirror itself is a stateless state, forever hidden and ineffable, but is known to BE by the knowing of what it is aware. That is we can intuit the existence of the mirror by its reflections. The Real is alluded by the illusions [reflection]
On the same note, our True nature is ineffable and all that is known by awareness is nothing but Illusions. Illusions like reflections on the mirror comes and go, while the mirror remain still. So the world and all living beings in it being impermanent comes and go, while the Omni present awareness remain still and immutable. As the mirror and its reflections are one, so too Awareness and all the objects of awareness within it are also ONE. As the mirror is known to exist by its reflection, so too is awareness alluded by what its is aware [The illusionary world of samsara]
The mirror is permanent whether objects are reflected or not. Hence our awareness is always present whether, there is thoughts or no thoughts and this is our nature that is beyond all forms, feelings and thoughts. As the mirror is the source of all reflections, so too is Awareness the source and essence of all phenomena.
The mirror is not the least affected by its reflection, be it war or peace, calamities of storm, flood or fire. So too is our Nature as awareness unaffected by the events of the world [samsara]
Now everyone know what a mirror is, but have we ever seen the Real face of a mirror ??
Let us take a mirror and direct it at a cloudless sky on a bright day. The mirror display a bright Void.
Now we direct the mirror to face the mountain and river, and it display mountains and rivers,
Lastly we take the mirror into a dark room and have darkness for its face.
In these Three states, the real face of the mirror is veiled by its reflections and is always hidden, but present throughout the three states. Without the mirror, non of the three display is possible.
With this understanding in mind ,let us compare it with our actual experiences. There are three states that cover all our experiences.
Starting with deep sleep, we have no experience of the world or living beings [mirror in the dark]
The sleep then give way to dreams followed by waking [Here the mirror is reflecting the space and forms of the dreamscape and landscape]
During the three states, our Awareness is always present, but awareness like the mirror itself is a stateless state, forever hidden and ineffable, but is known to BE by the knowing of what it is aware. That is we can intuit the existence of the mirror by its reflections. The Real is alluded by the illusions [reflection]
On the same note, our True nature is ineffable and all that is known by awareness is nothing but Illusions. Illusions like reflections on the mirror comes and go, while the mirror remain still. So the world and all living beings in it being impermanent comes and go, while the Omni present awareness remain still and immutable. As the mirror and its reflections are one, so too Awareness and all the objects of awareness within it are also ONE. As the mirror is known to exist by its reflection, so too is awareness alluded by what its is aware [The illusionary world of samsara]
The mirror is permanent whether objects are reflected or not. Hence our awareness is always present whether, there is thoughts or no thoughts and this is our nature that is beyond all forms, feelings and thoughts. As the mirror is the source of all reflections, so too is Awareness the source and essence of all phenomena.
The mirror is not the least affected by its reflection, be it war or peace, calamities of storm, flood or fire. So too is our Nature as awareness unaffected by the events of the world [samsara]
Saturday, November 9, 2013
Heart Sutra
The Heart Sutra in its condensed form is the shortest sutra and is the conclusive statement to round off the entire Buddhist teaching. It is a Statement of Reality which is DIRECT and differ from Sakyumuni's earlier teachings relying heavily on expedient, as skillful way to point to the ineffable.
Buddhist teachings can be broadly classified into four vehicles [carts] They are :
1] The goat cart, [The four Noble Truth ]
2] The deer cart [ The twelve Interdependent Origin ]
3] The ox cart [ The Six paramitas ]
and
4] The Great White Ox cart.
The first three uses expedients and consist of skillful ways of pointing to the Truth, while the Great vehicle is Direct without relying on any expedient.
The Teachings progressively reveal the illusionary nature of all forms[dusts] from the very course [matter] to the very subtle [ thoughts].
In conclusion, the Heart sutra states that Forms being illusionary is no different from emptiness and have only the existence of emptiness. The Truth being such, there are no living beings and no world. In this Only real condition, concepts of the three poisons of Greed, Hatred and Delusion losses its foothold and the Heart sutra categorily dismisses the first three carts, leaving only the ever present Awareness [ Kuan Zhi Zhai ] As there are no living beings and world, There is nothing to be feared and No one to be in fear.
Since there is Not a single living being [5 skandas] existing, the first three carts can be discarded as it is only beneficial to reduce outflow, requiring effort from the Ego.
For the benefits of those still on the Hinayana, with various means of cultivations and meditation methods, the Truth reveal there is Nothing to meditate on and No one to be the meditator. All effort in the dream [samsara] pertain to the dream. Recognizing the dream as a dream is all is needed to awake TO [in contradistinction to FROM] the dream. This is Prajna identifying with the Dreamer [Kuan Zhi Zhai] and remain aloof to the dream, while witnessing it. The wisdom of Sunyatta. knowing that all IS a dream in the MIDST of the dream and Awake TO it, not waiting for the dream to end
Hence the Victory mantra wiping out all delusions. Gate,gate,paragate,parasamgate, Bodhi shava.
Buddhist teachings can be broadly classified into four vehicles [carts] They are :
1] The goat cart, [The four Noble Truth ]
2] The deer cart [ The twelve Interdependent Origin ]
3] The ox cart [ The Six paramitas ]
and
4] The Great White Ox cart.
The first three uses expedients and consist of skillful ways of pointing to the Truth, while the Great vehicle is Direct without relying on any expedient.
The Teachings progressively reveal the illusionary nature of all forms[dusts] from the very course [matter] to the very subtle [ thoughts].
In conclusion, the Heart sutra states that Forms being illusionary is no different from emptiness and have only the existence of emptiness. The Truth being such, there are no living beings and no world. In this Only real condition, concepts of the three poisons of Greed, Hatred and Delusion losses its foothold and the Heart sutra categorily dismisses the first three carts, leaving only the ever present Awareness [ Kuan Zhi Zhai ] As there are no living beings and world, There is nothing to be feared and No one to be in fear.
Since there is Not a single living being [5 skandas] existing, the first three carts can be discarded as it is only beneficial to reduce outflow, requiring effort from the Ego.
For the benefits of those still on the Hinayana, with various means of cultivations and meditation methods, the Truth reveal there is Nothing to meditate on and No one to be the meditator. All effort in the dream [samsara] pertain to the dream. Recognizing the dream as a dream is all is needed to awake TO [in contradistinction to FROM] the dream. This is Prajna identifying with the Dreamer [Kuan Zhi Zhai] and remain aloof to the dream, while witnessing it. The wisdom of Sunyatta. knowing that all IS a dream in the MIDST of the dream and Awake TO it, not waiting for the dream to end
Hence the Victory mantra wiping out all delusions. Gate,gate,paragate,parasamgate, Bodhi shava.
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Deepavali
The Hindus have just celebrated Deepavali which many pass off as a festival of light [over darkness] Being a Chinese, I have always wondered why this day is refer to as ' Chu Yao Jie ' meaning to celebrate the annihilation of the Devil.
From the many cultures, most of the celebrations are symbolic in nature and points towards a lofty message. The celebration of Deepavali is always preceded by the breaking of coconut and towards dusk, oil lamps [using only coconut oil] are lit. One must realized the significance of this ritual.
The coconut represent one's Ego. The Ego in Hinduism and other religions is regarded as the Devil that veiled the Light of Brahman within ALL. The Ego represented by the coconut must be broken [with wisdom] to reveal the essence within [The oil from the kernel ] the Heart which then shines to removes all the darkness of Ignorance. This Light is symbolized by the light from the oil lamp.
Prior to Deepavali, elaborate designs and pictures [Kolam] were made from coloured rice laid out on floor, all to be swept away after Deepavali. This is to symbolize the impermanent and Maya nature of the Universe. Upon removing the Ego, all illusions disappear and only the Light of Awareness remain. In Buddhism this is known as Anuttara Samyak Sambodhi.
The celebrations continue and will continue, but the message is lost in the festivities.
From the many cultures, most of the celebrations are symbolic in nature and points towards a lofty message. The celebration of Deepavali is always preceded by the breaking of coconut and towards dusk, oil lamps [using only coconut oil] are lit. One must realized the significance of this ritual.
The coconut represent one's Ego. The Ego in Hinduism and other religions is regarded as the Devil that veiled the Light of Brahman within ALL. The Ego represented by the coconut must be broken [with wisdom] to reveal the essence within [The oil from the kernel ] the Heart which then shines to removes all the darkness of Ignorance. This Light is symbolized by the light from the oil lamp.
Prior to Deepavali, elaborate designs and pictures [Kolam] were made from coloured rice laid out on floor, all to be swept away after Deepavali. This is to symbolize the impermanent and Maya nature of the Universe. Upon removing the Ego, all illusions disappear and only the Light of Awareness remain. In Buddhism this is known as Anuttara Samyak Sambodhi.
The celebrations continue and will continue, but the message is lost in the festivities.
Friday, September 27, 2013
Mountains and Rivers of ZEN
Lately, my earthly [samsaric] friend Pun2 used the ZEN metaphor of the mountains and rivers during several of his conversation. For the benefits of those who have not heard of it, it is as follows:
Beginning mountains are mountains and rivers are rivers [a]
Then mountain are not mountains and rivers are not rivers [b]
Finally mountains are again mountains and rivers are rivers [c]
Without the wisdom of the sutra, it can sound quite confusing and meaningless
a] This refer to the general view of common people. This view assume that I AM is a person having
consciousness and is Separate from the world [mountains and rivers] around him/her
[ I Am identify with a wave in the ocean of consciousness]
b] At this stage there is realization that the Self [I AM] is Awareness and all objects of awareness are
illusionary and have void as its nature [hence no mountains and river]
c] Finally the Objects of awareness are reconciled as the myriad expressions of awareness. The
Mountains and rivers are accepted as in [a], but with a new understanding that both the person and
the world around him Appear within the ONE borderless Consciousness, as a WHOLE, WITHOUT any separation.
I Am is Awareness [void] and also the Totality of the world.[every things and the void in between.]
[ I Am is correctly Identified with Ocean and recognize the totality of the waves AS the
expression of Itself and share the same essence of water.
The world of separation of many is now seen as unity with all objects held together by the FORM
of void. [ in contradistinction with an infinite solid fill with myriad holes of various sizes]
In conclusion, I AM NOthing and Everything. The unconditioned containing the conditioned, like the reflections in the mirror inseparable from the mirror [an immutable whole]
For clarity, let us revisit the three views and see their significance.
a] The world consist of countless things which are separated and different from one another, giving
rise to concepts of individuality and generality.
b] The world does not exist and All are Void.
c] The world IS ONE Whole without any division within the Whole and is of one essence. All
concepts that arise from [a] is totally misplaced and form the seeds of delusion that turn the
wheel of samsara
A further illustration will be :
a] This shore [samsara]
b] The other shore [nirvana]
c] Neither this or the other, the unification of both.
Beginning mountains are mountains and rivers are rivers [a]
Then mountain are not mountains and rivers are not rivers [b]
Finally mountains are again mountains and rivers are rivers [c]
Without the wisdom of the sutra, it can sound quite confusing and meaningless
a] This refer to the general view of common people. This view assume that I AM is a person having
consciousness and is Separate from the world [mountains and rivers] around him/her
[ I Am identify with a wave in the ocean of consciousness]
b] At this stage there is realization that the Self [I AM] is Awareness and all objects of awareness are
illusionary and have void as its nature [hence no mountains and river]
c] Finally the Objects of awareness are reconciled as the myriad expressions of awareness. The
Mountains and rivers are accepted as in [a], but with a new understanding that both the person and
the world around him Appear within the ONE borderless Consciousness, as a WHOLE, WITHOUT any separation.
I Am is Awareness [void] and also the Totality of the world.[every things and the void in between.]
[ I Am is correctly Identified with Ocean and recognize the totality of the waves AS the
expression of Itself and share the same essence of water.
The world of separation of many is now seen as unity with all objects held together by the FORM
of void. [ in contradistinction with an infinite solid fill with myriad holes of various sizes]
In conclusion, I AM NOthing and Everything. The unconditioned containing the conditioned, like the reflections in the mirror inseparable from the mirror [an immutable whole]
For clarity, let us revisit the three views and see their significance.
a] The world consist of countless things which are separated and different from one another, giving
rise to concepts of individuality and generality.
b] The world does not exist and All are Void.
c] The world IS ONE Whole without any division within the Whole and is of one essence. All
concepts that arise from [a] is totally misplaced and form the seeds of delusion that turn the
wheel of samsara
A further illustration will be :
a] This shore [samsara]
b] The other shore [nirvana]
c] Neither this or the other, the unification of both.
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Living Buddha
The word 'Living Buddha' is the imperfection of language to capture Perfection and often lead to deviant view that assume a person have attained IT [perfection]. Buddha being unborn is the ONLY living there is and ever so. The world of sentient and insentient are illusionary images that appear and disappear within it from moment to moment .
To assume an image to be living is Delusion, as how is it possible for something that never truly exist to have a life. All the so call secular lives are only Apparent in the dream
Jesus say, the living [Awareness] never die, and the dead sentient beings never live. And the 'I' [Awareness] is in the world, but NOT of the world.
In the Diamond Sutra, Lord Sakyumuni say The Thatagata can not be seen in forms or heard in sound. Whosoever have this view that Buddha have form that speak is on the deviant path and will never realize the Truth.
Also in the same sutra, it is mentioned that Buddha is already perfect and being Unborn is stranger to any stage of attainment and NO further addition or deduction can make it more perfect. Awareness is already aware [enlighten] and need nothing more to make it aware or more aware [to enlighten it]
To assume an image to be living is Delusion, as how is it possible for something that never truly exist to have a life. All the so call secular lives are only Apparent in the dream
Jesus say, the living [Awareness] never die, and the dead sentient beings never live. And the 'I' [Awareness] is in the world, but NOT of the world.
In the Diamond Sutra, Lord Sakyumuni say The Thatagata can not be seen in forms or heard in sound. Whosoever have this view that Buddha have form that speak is on the deviant path and will never realize the Truth.
Also in the same sutra, it is mentioned that Buddha is already perfect and being Unborn is stranger to any stage of attainment and NO further addition or deduction can make it more perfect. Awareness is already aware [enlighten] and need nothing more to make it aware or more aware [to enlighten it]
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