I will settle something for you right now: the ultimate rule is to see your own mind clearly. An ancient said, "The mind does not know itself, the mind does not see itself." So how can you see it clearly? Mind does not see mind; to get it, you must not see it as mind.
Foyan Qingyuan [1067-1120]
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LEVEL 1 - No understanding: The layperson, completely ignorant and unread in the subject of Zen. Will generally have confused beliefs about the practices of Zen from lack of any real knowledge on the subject, and will possibly even reject reading anything about it or be dismissive towards learning more. Won't understand the differences between modern Zen teachers and the teachings of the Ch'an patriarchs.
LEVEL 2 - Quarter understanding: The first-day monk, with an early and very limited knowledge of the teachings. May or may not realize that they don't have a good understanding of the subject yet, but usually are quite willing to learn. Seeks guidance from those with apparent deeper understandings and is generally humble. Open minded, and will generally look to study what is not yet understood.
LEVEL 3 - Half understanding: This is the most dangerous understanding of all for the ego. This person may have had an insight, but the insight and all knowledge is clung to and used as a foundation, which only serves to fortify and entrench the ego even further in delusion. This person is generally well-read on the subject of Zen and is quite familiar with the teachings of the Ch'an patriarchs, but easily falls prey to selective reasoning and picking and choosing from the teachings to fortify their position. The ego with a half understanding is easily deluded into believing full realization has occurred.
LEVEL 4 - Three-quarters understanding: This is the person who has learned to let go of knowledge-based understandings, and sees the ego fully for what it is. They have come to a deeper realization, so they are not bound to the world of form or mere practices. Realizes the folly of arguing with others or clinging to the teachings. Understands what the Ch'an masters were pointing at, and is quite familiar with and can discuss both the ordinary world and the absolute. This understanding is where the real 'practice of no practices' begins.
LEVEL 5 - Full understanding: The Zen master, or master of Zen beyond 'Zen'. A full understanding really means no understanding, as in nothing is held on to in the way of practice or any understanding. The rare person with this understanding will generally 'enter the marketplace with helping hands', and may actually not even be easy to identify due to their lack of ego or sometimes even engagement. This person is one with the Dharma.
Submitted June 04, 2019 at 05:15PM by WanderingRoninXIII http://bit.ly/2ETzovT
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