真心直說 1.9

1.9

Someone asked: Right faith has already arisen; what is called the "true mind"? I answered: Being free from delusion is called "true"; spiritual illumination is called "mind." The Śūraṅgama-sūtra elucidates this mind. Someone asked: Is it only called "true mind," or are there other designations? I answered: The Buddha's teaching and the patriarchs' teaching establish names differently. First, in the Buddha's teaching, the bodhisattva precepts call it the "mind-ground," because it gives rise to myriad goods. The Prajñāpāramitā-sūtras call it "bodhi," because it is the essence of awakening. The Avataṃsaka-sūtra establishes it as the "dharmadhātu," because it mutually interpenetrates and subsumes. The Diamond Sūtra calls it "Tathāgata," because it has nowhere from which it comes. The Prajñāpāramitā-sūtras call it "nirvāṇa," because it is that to which all sages return. The Suvarṇaprabhāsa calls it "suchness," because it is truly eternal and unaltering. The Vimalakīrtinirdeśa calls it "dharmakāya," because the reward and transformation [bodies] rely on it. The Dàshéng qǐxìn lùn names it "tathatā," because it neither arises nor ceases. The Nirvāṇa-sūtra calls it "buddhadhātu," because it is the fundamental essence of the trikāya. In the Yuanjue jing it is named "dhāraṇī," because virtues and merits flow from it. The Śrīmālādevī-sūtra calls it "tathāgatagarbha," because it is hidden, covered, and encompasses all. Definitive sūtras call it "perfect awakening," because it shatters darkness and illuminates alone. Therefore Dhyāna Master Shou's Weixin jue says: "One dharma has a thousand names, establishing designations in accordance with conditions." Since they are fully contained in the various sūtras, they cannot all be cited. Someone asked: The Buddha's teaching is now known; what of the patriarchs' teaching? I answered: Under the gate of the patriarchs, names and words are cut off. When even a name is not established, how could there be more names? Yet in responding to stimuli and following capacities, its names are also numerous. Sometimes it is called "oneself," because it is the original nature of sentient beings. Sometimes it is named the "correct eye," because it perceives all things with marks. Sometimes it is called the "wondrous mind," because it is empty, spiritual, tranquil, and illuminating. Sometimes it is named the "master," because it has carried the burden from the beginning. Sometimes it is called the "bottomless bowl," because it makes a living anywhere. Sometimes it is called the "stringless zither," because its melody transcends the present age. Sometimes it is called the "inexhaustible lamp," because it illuminates and shatters deluded sentiments. Sometimes it is named the "rootless tree," because its roots are firm and solid. Sometimes it is called the "hair-severing sword," because it cuts through the defiled sense faculties. Sometimes it is called the "unconditioned realm," because the seas are calm and rivers clear. Sometimes it is called the "maṇi jewel," because it relieves poverty. Sometimes it is named the "keyless lock," because it closes the six sense-emotions. And so on, being named the mud ox, the wooden horse, the mind-source, the mind-seal, the mind-mirror, the mind-moon, and the mind-pearl; such various different names cannot all be recorded. If you realize the true mind, you will understand all names; if you are ignorant of this true mind, you will be obstructed by all names. Therefore, regarding the true mind, you must be extremely meticulous.