A recognition of the most primordial

From the last blog, when the Buddha speaks of those who go beyond to the far shore passing beyond the realm of death (S. v. 24), he is really saying that our true nature, which is most primordial, is passing through its self-generated antitheses which is a return to and a recognition of the most primordial by the most primordialan awakening, in other words.

The reader is correct to see that with an isomorphic medium such as the One Mind, there is no possibility of it recognizing itself because it is without marks, distinction, or contrast. On the other hand, when it oscillates itself, making of itself something phenomenally determinate, yet illusory, it can then embark on crossing its antithetical world (samsara) reaching finally the safe far shore of itself, this being nirvana (which is deathless).

If we think of dependent origination (pratyitysamutpada) as antithesis coupled with the fact that this antithesis is all conditioned things (i.e., the illusory world), including our mental life, it becomes of immense value for with its immediate cessation, Mind not only recognizes itself but, at the same time, it recognizes that antitheses are merely illusory configurations of this pure plenary Mind.

Absolute Mind (ekacitta) had to lose itself to find itself or put another way, because in itself there is no contrast or marks to be found, Mind opposed this by creating an illusory world of dependent originations. In this loss or non-knowledge (avidya) of itself, Mind found the only way possible by which it might recognize itself. It is by penetrating through the empty antithetical veil it had generated.

Taking this to a more practical level, we are surrounded by antitheses. Our psychophysical body is a super density of antitheses, including our universe. Our thoughts, our dreams; the internal dialogue that goes on constantly, including our mental images, are antitheses. To use a line from the musical group of the 1960s, T! he Doors , how do we break on through to the other side to transcend this illusion? It is a most intriguing question. Imagine what you will but when we go beyond to the far shore or break on through to the other side, the communion of the most primordial with itself is a powerful experiencean awakening like no other.


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