心が牽引する
Led by the mind
2024-07-29 18:00:00
The awakening of a person begins with the desire of the mind, which then propels the practice towards realization. Astonishingly, it is none other than the mind itself that is extinguished, leading to liberation and eventual completion.
This very fact can be considered the highest mystery of human beings.
Moreover, from this fact, it can be said that beings without a mind, such as plants and animals, cannot achieve enlightenment (= liberation).
Furthermore, there is the fact that the opportunity for enlightenment is brought about in the form of words, which strongly reinforces the idea that enlightenment (= liberation) is a phenomenon that occurs only in humans.
In the process of a child growing into an adult, the feeling of embarrassment about remaining a child increases, leading to a determination to become an adult and efforts towards that realization. This is fundamentally based on biological growth.
On the other hand, the desire for a person (sentient being) to attain enlightenment does not arise naturally.
This is because enlightenment (= liberation) is considered unrelated to biological growth.
Therefore, for a person to attain enlightenment, their mind must truly desire it. However, in reality, not many people harbor this desire.
The reason is that people (sentient beings) are immersed in desires and are unaware of the existence of Nirvana, the state of true happiness. Because of this, they are unwilling even to listen to the teachings meant to guide them.
For this reason, for example, the following words are taught in the Lotus Sutra, Expedient Means, Chapter 2.
"The appearance of the Buddhas in the world is exceedingly rare and far difficult to encounter. Even if they do appear, it is also difficult for them to expound this teaching. It is difficult to hear this teaching even after countless eons. Those who are able to hear this teaching are also extremely rare. It is like the udumbara flower, which blooms once in a great while, cherished and valued by all people, heavenly beings, and humans alike. If one hears the teaching and rejoices, even speaking a single word of it, it is equivalent to having offered reverence to all the Buddhas of the past, present, and future. Such a person is exceedingly rare, even rarer than the udumbara flower."
Only those who are exceptionally wise will hear about Nirvana, the state of happiness, and develop the intention to embody it within themselves.
And it is only such people who progress along this singular path and ultimately reach Nirvana.
Whether one reaches the state of happiness or not, it is all led by the mind.
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