You should vilify the Buddha and destroy the Dharma?

Once a commentator on the Vimalakirti Sutra said, ‘It is written in our sutra: "You should regard the six heretics as your teachers. After you have joined the Order, you should be misled by them and take part in their fall. Those giving you alms should not be called ‘cultivators of the field of blessedness’. Those making you offerings should fall into the three evil states of existence. You should vilify the Buddha and destroy the Dharma. You should not belong to the sangha and you should not attain deliverance." if you can behave like this, you may take my food." I ask you, Master, to give me a clear explanation of this passage.’

M: ‘The six teachers’ is a term for "the six senses" from which your delusions arise. The term "heretic" refers to seeking the Buddha apart from mind. Whatever can be given away cannot be called "a field of blessedness". Your being stirred by the thought of receiving offerings will land you midst the three evil states.’ if you dare to vilify the Buddha, you are not attached to Buddha-seeking; if you dare to slander the Dharma you are not attached to Dharma-seeking; and your not joining the sangha implies that you are not attached to sangha-seeking. Your "not attaining deliverance" means that your inherent wisdom, now freed from this last obstruction, can manifest itself instantaneously. If you can interpret the passage in this way, you will receive as food joy in the Dharma and the happiness of meditation (ch’an).’ — Zen Teaching of Hui Hai, p. 106

Commentary

Today's ignoramuses who come to Zen don't understand these words. They are not ignoramuses for nothing. They do not understand that when one sees their true nature (kenshō which is the 4th slogan of Zen) and becomes awakened, one has gone beyond the thought constructs of Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. No longer is deliverance sought for, either, after seeing one's true nature.

Submitted May 24, 2019 at 09:31PM by Mumagic http://bit.ly/2M7Etqy