Sudden Illumination ~ Zen Master Baizhang Huaihai 百丈懷海
Jun 23, 2024
auto_awesome
Zen Master Baizhang Huaihai, a revered Tang dynasty Chan teacher, discusses the practice of instant purification of the mind in Zen Buddhism, focusing on self-realization and Nirvana through enlightenment and eradicating deluded thoughts.
Sudden illumination involves eliminating deluded thoughts instantaneously to start with purifying the mind.
Attaining a state of not perceiving anything as existent or non-existent leads to the ultimate goal of nirvana.
Deep dives
The Root of Attaining Deliverance
The pathway to deliverance lies in sudden illumination, which involves eliminating deluded thoughts instantaneously. Illumination is the realization that it is not something to be achieved externally but starts with purifying the mind, as advocated by the Lanka Vatara Sutra. Sages focus on regulating their minds over external factors, understanding that both good and evil stem from the mind. By achieving inner awareness through Jyana and Samadhi, individuals can attain Buddhahood in a single moment.
The Nature of the Mind and Attainment of Nirvana
The mind, resembling profound stillness and eternal duration, is the root of enlightenment and the Buddha Kaya. By dwelling upon nothing, devoid of fixations on good or evil, individuals can access the Buddha mind where purity arises naturally. The imperceptible diamond body, unaffected by the worldly stream, embodies transcendent wisdom. Attaining a state of not perceiving anything as existent or non-existent leads to the ultimate goal of nirvana and deliverance.
1.
Exploration of Sudden Illumination and Purification of the Mind in Zen Buddhism
Baizhang Huaihai (720–814 AD) was a Zen master during the Tang dynasty. A native of Fuzhou, he was a dharma heir of Mazu Daoyi. Baizhang's students included Huangbo, Linji and Puhua. He has been venerated as one of the greatest Chan teachers of the Tang era and even today he remains one of the most recognized Chan teachers of all time. His Zen teachings focused on practicing in the present, independent freedom, individual discovery, and not relying on doctrine, or intellectual comprehension.
These extracts have been read from the text: 'Zen Teaching of Instantaneous Awakening' - Teachings of the Zen Master Hui Hai. Rendered into English by John Blofeld
Music: Swami Madhuram - 'Sandhya', from the album "Coming Home" by Time for Peace. With thanks to Swami for his gift of beautiful music. Please find more of his music here:
https://timeforpeace.bandcamp.com/