the mind’s inherent nirvana

the way to enlightenment

 

When body and mind

are properly attuned, when mind

and spirit are at peace, then in deep mystic

fusion, the breath is pure and cool. Slowly gather

in mind until the path of the spirit is pure and sharp

and the mind-ground is illumined and pure.

As you perceive clearly and distinctly,

inner and outer are empty and

pure — this is the mind’s

inherent nirvana.

 

With this nirvana,

the mind of the sages is manifest.

Though its real nature is formless, intent and

proportion always remain. Thus, the profound luminous

one never ends: it remains forever shining bright.

This is called the buddha-nature, the

enlightened real identity.

 

Records of the Teachers and Students of the Lanka

full text here

 

the practice of repaying wrongs

this is the pure buddha-land

 

Entering through practice

refers to the Four Practices — all other

practices are contained within these. What are

the Four Practices? First, the practice of repaying wrongs.

Second, the practice of going along with the causal

nexus. Third, the practice of not seeking

anything. Fourth, the practice of

according with the

Dharma.

 

What is the practice

of repaying wrongs? When receiving

suffering, a practitioner who cultivates the Path

should think to himself: “During countless ages past

I have abandoned the root and pursued the branches, flowing

into the various states of being, and giving rise to much rancor and

hatred — the transgression, the harm done, has been limitless.

Though I do not transgress now, this suffering is a disaster

left over from former lives — the results of evil deeds

have ripened. This suffering is not something

given by gods or humans.”

 

You should willingly

endure the suffering without anger

or complaint. The sutra says: “Encountering

suffering, one is not concerned. Why? Because one

is conscious of the basic root.” When this attitude toward

suffering is born, you are in accord with inner truth,

and even as you experience wrongs, you advance

on the Path. Thus it is called “the practice

of repaying wrongs.”

 

Records of the Teachers and Students of the Lanka

full text here