The Teachings of Ma-Tsu: There is no place to stand where one leaves the Truth.

The myriad dharmas are all born from the mind; the mind is the root of the myriad dharmas. The sutra says, 'It is because of knowing the mind and penetrating the original source that one is called a sramana.' The names are equal, the meanings are equal: all dharmas are equal. They are all pure without mixing. If one attains to this teaching, then one is always free. If suchness is established, then everything is suchness. If the principle is established, then all dharmas are principle. If phenomena are established, then all dharmas are phenomena. When one is raised, thousands follow. The principle and phenomena are not different; everything is wonderful function, and there is no other principle. They all come from the mind.

For instance, though the reflections of the moon are many, the real moon is only one. Though there are many springs of water, water has only one nature. There are myriad phenomena in the universe, but empty space is only one. There are many principles that are spoken of, but 'unobstructed wisdom is only one.' Whatever is established, it all comes from One Mind. Whether constructing or sweeping away, all is sublime function; all is oneself. There is no place to stand where one leaves the Truth. The very place one stands on is the Truth; it is all one’s being. “All dharmas are Buddhadharmas, and all dharmas are liberation. Liberation is identical with suchness; all dharmas never leave suchness. Whether walking, standing, sitting, or reclining, everything is always inconceivable function.

Ma-tsu [709-788]: From Sun-Face Buddha: The Teachings of Ma-Tsu and the Hung-chou School of Ch'an, 1992
Translated by Cheng Chien Bhikshu [source: Terebess]

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Wandering Ronin commentary and questions: Although there is no place to stand where ones leaves the truth, that doesn't mean that one is aware of it wherever they stand. How is it possible that the truth can be discovered, and to what lengths will one go to discover it?

Submitted January 10, 2019 at 11:09PM by WanderingRoninXIII http://bit.ly/2skiOi7