It is called Buddhahood because of happiness without sorrow.

The fourth patriarch said to meditation master Rong, ​

The hundred thousand teachings revert alike to the heart; wonderful virtues as numerous as sand grains in the Ganges River all abide in the wellspring of mind. All methods of discipline, methods of concentration, methods of insight, spiritual powers and manifestations, are all inherent, not apart from your mind. All afflictions and obstacles of habit are originally void; all causes and effects are like dream illusions. There is no triplex world to leave, no enlightenment to seek.

Humans and non-humans are equal in essence and characteristics. The Great Way is empty and open, beyond thought, beyond cogitation. Now that you have gotten such principles, you lack nothing anymore; how are you different from Buddha? There is no special doctrine beyond this. Just let your mind be free; don’t do contemplative exercises, and don’t try to settle your mind either. Don’t conceive greed or hostility, don’t think of sorrow or worry.

Clear and unobstructed, free as you will, not contriving virtues, not perpetrating evils, walking, standing still, sitting, lying down, whatever meets the eye, in any circumstance, is all the subtle function of Buddha.

It is called Buddhahood because of happiness without sorrow.

From the Dahui Shobogenzo

Note: If I'm honest I know why I can't leave Zen alone. It's that last line. "Happiness without sorrow". If that's a possibility how can I possibly quit?

Submitted December 30, 2017 at 01:00AM by koancomentator http://ift.tt/2CjWvQ8