Does a dog have buddha-nature?

Let's consider this scenario. Siddhartha Gautama is filled with the desire to attain enlightenment. He sits under the tree diligently and eventually, he awakens fully.

Let's consider this now. A rock which has no desire sits under the tree. It does nothing and is always asleep. So what is this awakening stuff all about?

Awakening is not about whether this rock has buddha-nature or not. Appreciating awakening from this angle is unlikely to be helpful. I'm pretty sure the rock is a manifestation of this buddha-nature, but does the rock have the capacity to realise it? This is the issue of realisation and delusion that serious practitioner has to confront with.

Consoling oneself with the idea that everyone's mind is originally pure and so no seeking is required is just what it is - consolation. But of course if your goal is consolation, then consolation is perfectly fine. But if your aim is awakening, perhaps deeper investigation is required.

So the question again: "Does a dog have buddha-nature?"

Note: Jokes are welcomed. Personal opinions are also welcomed. Because there's no need to pretend like you know everything when you don't. Worse, pretending to be a teacher and correcting other's 'mistakes'.

Submitted August 17, 2016 at 10:54AM by chintokkong http://ift.tt/2b0czrX