Transforming Delusions

[Shinshou]

“We live in the reality of our life whether or not we observe the precepts. No one can escape from this reality. Even when we are deluded, we live in reality as deluded human beings. Ultimately there is no separation between reality and delusion. In other words, reality includes delusions.”

If the above quote from “Living by Vow” by Shohaku Okumura is correct (and I experience that it is), why, in the second bodhisattva vow, do we vow to transform all delusions? What could they possibly be transformed into?

Dan (Shinsho)
Sat today


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[Jundo]

“We live in the reality of our life whether or not we observe the precepts. No one can escape from this reality. Even when we are deluded, we live in reality as deluded human beings. Ultimately there is no separation between reality and delusion. In other words, reality includes delusions.”

If the above quote from “Living by Vow” by Shohaku Okumura is correct (and I experience that it is), why, in the second bodhisattva vow, do we vow to transform all delusions? What could they possibly be transformed into?

Dan (Shinsho)
Sat today


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Oh, very simple.

Drowning is reality. Not drowning is reality. However, best to not drown.

Fire burning your house down is reality. No fire to burn down your house is also reality. However, between the two options, best to grab a bucket and put out the fire before your house burns down.

Same for drowning and wallowing in the suffering and confusion of excess desire, burning anger, violence and divided thinking.

Dogen also said that enlightenment is delusion, but the enlightened person who is free from delusion realizes so even living in a world of sometime delusion, while the deluded person does not have a clue. He said in the Genjo "Those who have great realization of delusion are buddhas; those who are greatly deluded about realization are sentient beings." The Lotus Sutra also has a parable about a man who does not realize that a precious pearl is sewn in his coat. He finally realizes it is there. Both the man when he realizes the pearl is in the coat, and the man when he did not realize so, equally had the pearl. However, better to see so.

Gassho, J

SatTodayLAH

[Shinshou]

Thank you, Jundo. That Dōgen quote really reveals his mastery of packing immense meaning in small packages.

Dan (Shinsho)
Sat today


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[Rich]

Delusions are created by the mind. When we vow to cut through them all, we are vowing to return to Buddha nature, no mind , no self, Nirvana, enlighten ment, don't know, God

SAT

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[Jinyo]

Can't begin to explain it (just trying to let Dogen sink into my bones as Jundo advices) but found reading HOKKE-TEN-HOKKE (The flower of Dharma turns the flower of Dharma) hit a nerve.

A few lines,

When the mind is in the state of delusion,the Flower of Dharma turns.
When the mind is in the state of realization, we turn the Flower of Dharma.
If perfect realization can be like this,
The flower of Dharma turns the Flower of Dharma.

Like I said 'hit a nerve' but trying to understand Dogen with my intellect puts it in shock !

Gassho

Jinyo

ST

[Jakuden]

Can't begin to explain it (just trying to let Dogen sink into my bones as Jundo advices) but found reading HOKKE-TEN-HOKKE (The flower of Dharma turns the flower of Dharma) hit a nerve.

A few lines,

When the mind is in the state of delusion,the Flower of Dharma turns.
When the mind is in the state of realization, we turn the Flower of Dharma.
If perfect realization can be like this,
The flower of Dharma turns the Flower of Dharma.

Like I said 'hit a nerve' but trying to understand Dogen with my intellect puts it in shock !

Gassho

Jinyo

ST

Gassho,
Jakuden
SatToday

[Kyonin]

Hi Dan,

I think our Second Vow refers to the se Second Noble Truth:

Now this, bhikkhus, is the noble truth of the origin of suffering: it is this craving which leads to re-becoming, accompanied by delight and lust, seeking delight here and there; that is, craving for sensual pleasures, craving for becoming, craving for disbecoming.

Excess desire and lust are delusions. They are thoughts that poison the clear mind and are also potencially dangerous. By understanding and living with the Second Vow in our hearts, we remain mindful of those delusions in order to transform them into generosity and loving kindness.

But I could be wrong

Gassho,

Kyonin

[Jundo]

Hi Dan,

I think our Second Vow refers to the se Second Noble Truth:



Excess desire and lust are delusions. They are thoughts that poison the clear mind and are also potencially dangerous. By understanding and living with the Second Vow in our hearts, we remain mindful of those delusions in order to transform them into generosity and loving kindness.

But I could be wrong

Gassho,

Kyonin

I believe you are correct, and many people over the centuries make the connection.

(We vow To transform all delusions, though delusions inexhaustable ...

Gassho, J

SatTodayLAH