Introduction:
The Buddha nature represents the innate essence within all beings, embodying a state of profound peace and happiness. This empty, cognizant nature is free from fixation, naturally endowed with wisdom and enlightened qualities. However, due to delusion and the entanglements of samsara, sentient beings remain unaware of this perfect essence.
The Path to Enlightenment:
The teachings of the Buddha illuminate the path that allows individuals to reconnect with their Buddha nature and ultimately attain enlightenment. Developing the precious bodhicitta, the altruistic intention to liberate all sentient beings, becomes crucial from the outset of the journey. By progressively letting go of fixations and fully actualizing the natural state of the Buddha nature, one attains complete enlightenment and becomes a Buddha, marking the fruition of the path.
The Sun and the Clouds Analogy:
An analogy often used to describe the relationship between sentient beings and the Buddha nature is that of the sun and the clouds. The Buddha nature is akin to the radiant sun, while ego-clinging, delusion, fixations, attachments, and obscurations are compared to clouds obscuring its brilliance. As the clouds fade away, the luminosity of the sun naturally shines forth. Similarly, the Buddha nature is always present, regardless of its obscuration. Sentient beings may feel disconnected from it, whereas practitioners may have intermittent contact or glimpses of enlightenment.
Unveiling the Buddha Nature:
The process of uncovering the Buddha nature revolves around releasing fixations. Fixation solidifies the clouds of obscuration, while letting go of fixation unveils the radiant sun of Buddha nature. Every being possesses the Buddha nature as their true potential, and thus the aspiration to free all sentient beings and establish them in perfect enlightenment aligns with their inherent nature.
Ground, Path, and Fruition:
The Buddha nature is referred to as the ground or basis, representing the primordial Buddha endowed with flawless qualities. Unaware of this essence, beings live in delusion. The Buddha’s teachings guide individuals to rediscover and reconnect with their Buddha nature, which forms the path. Through the complete realization of this Buddha nature, one attains full enlightenment, representing the fruition.
The Role of the Bodhisattva-caryavatara:
The Bodhisattva-caryavatara serves as a guide for following the path to enlightenment. It instructs practitioners on developing bodhicitta, practicing the six transcendental perfections, realizing the view of Buddha nature, and maturing this recognition into complete enlightenment.
Understanding Buddha Nature:
Buddha nature is also known by various names, such as the root of Buddha, the pure essence, the core of Buddha, or the heart-drop of Buddha. It signifies that all sentient beings possess the true Buddha within, which is none other than the essence of their own minds. The ground, when fully realized, becomes the fruition. There is no difference between them. However, due to delusion, beings are unaware of this true Buddha within and must embark on the path of removing delusion through the teachings of the Buddha.
Purification of Delusion:
Delusion refers to the mistaken perception within the mind. It stirs up negative emotions such as anger and fear, leading to afflictions. The collapse of delusion occurs when mistaken perceptions are rectified, and the truth is realized. Gathering merit and wisdom helps in pacifying negative thoughts, transforming negative karma, and purifying delusion. The Bodhisattva-caryavatara provides various methods for accumulating merit and purifying obscurations.
Conclusion:
Understanding the Buddha nature as the ground, the path, and the fruition is crucial for comprehending the journey from delusion to enlightenment. The teachings of the Buddha offer the means to reconnect with the innate Buddha nature, leading to the realization of perfect enlightenment. By removing fixations and embracing the path, individuals can uncover their true essence and ultimately reach the state of a fully awakened Buddha.
