The Platform Sutra: Sections 7 + 8 and commentary, p98-109 (104-115 on Kindle)

[Tairin]

Playing catchup again. Without reading other’s responses

What do you think is the symbolism of Shen-hsiu’s poem remaining on the wall, while the court artist is dismissed before he can paint scenes from the Lankavatara Sutra?

The short answer is expedient means. There is more to be taught by this poem than by having a scene from the sutra.

How do you see the relationship between Shen-hsiu’s poem and Huineng’s? What is it that Shen-hsiu has missed?

Shen-hsui’s poem suggest that we be diligent in our efforts to see past our delusions and see true reality. Huineng’s poem says that true reality is always there and we just have to realize it


Tairin
sat today and lah

[Kaitan]

1. What do you think is the symbolism of Shen-hsiu’s poem remaining on the wall, while the court artist is dismissed before he can paint scenes from the Lankavatara Sutra?

In the Diamond sutra is said that "all images are illusions" whereas it was mentioned in commentaries that hearing is far more direct. I liked the reference that beings in this planet have developed 'ears' much earlier than vision. This made me want to watch again some videos about hearing and seeing; if anyone's interested...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LexKZva0s4I&t=72s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBxJs5CXazA&t=1s

Also even if Shen-hsiu's poem is superficial undestanding still has value, I could see that reflected in my life, even if I don't study Dharma or practice, a period of reflection or healing is still helpful.

1. How do you see the relationship between Shen-hsiu’s poem and Huineng’s? What is it that Shen-hsiu has missed?

Shen-hsiu's is a early Buddhist view of purifying the mind, while Huineng brings the Mahayana flavor that our Buddha nature is already pure.


I'll try to catch up for the next sections, I can't pick up so easily the book recently. Thank you, everyone for participating.



stlah, Kaitan