Dharma Inquiry Discussion

Secrets on Cultivating the Mind, Part 2 by Chinul (Page 58 in the BoWZT Sutra Book and pasted below)

Wednesday, November 27th 1:00 – 2:00 pm (EST) on Zoom

Facilitated by: Dharma Holder, Michael Herzog and Dharma Holder, Rev. Paul Galvin

Please join us for a time to explore and discuss a reading from our Boundless Way Zen sutra book. Michael and Paul will facilitate reflection and discussion on the reading Secrets on Cultivating the Mind, Part 2 by Chinul.

Each of us will share our impressions and consider the perspectives of others with guidance. And we will all take refuge in Sangha as we speak and explore the Dharma together. The gathering is open to everyone (pre-registration is not required), with a suggested donation of $10 – $20, which can be given on our Temple donation page to support our ongoing engagement in the dharma.

Join the discussion using the Boundless Way Zen Worcester Temple link.

Secrets on Cultivating the Mind, Part 2

by Chinul

2. Consider sudden awakening: When people are deluded, they assume that the four great elements are the body, and the false thoughts are the mind. They do not know that their own nature is the true Dharma-body; they do not know that their own self-illuminating awareness is the true Buddha.

They look for the Buddha outside their mind. While they are thus wandering aimlessly, the entrance to the road might by chance be pointed out by a wise advisor. If, in one thought, they then follow back the light of their mind to its source, and see their own original nature, they will discover that the ground of this nature is innately free of defilement, and that they themselves are originally endowed with the non-outflow wisdom-nature which is not a hair’s-breadth different from that of all the Buddhas. Hence it is called sudden awakening.

Consider gradual cultivation: Although people have awakened to the fact that their original nature is no different from that of all the Buddhas, the beginningless habit-energies are extremely difficult to remove suddenly, and so they must continue cultivation while relying on this awakening. Through this gradual permeation, their endeavors reach completion. They constantly nurture the sacred embryo, and after a long time they become a saint. Hence it is called gradual cultivation. This process can be compared to the maturation of a child. From the day of its birth, a baby is endowed with all the sense organs, but its strength is not fully developed. It is only after many months and years that it will finally become an adult.

Hence sudden and gradual cultivation • are like the two wheels of a cart: • neither one can be missing.

(Page 58 in the BoWZT Sutra Book)