The Sixth Abode

 6. The Abode of the Straight Mind

The Flower Garland Sutra says:

"These Bodhisattva’s mind are steadfast and unstirred when hearing:

1. The Buddha praised or slandered
2. The Dharma praised or slandered
3. Bodhisattvas praised or slandered
4. The practices of Bodhisattvas praised or slandered
5. Hearing it taught that living beings are limited or unlimited
6. Hearing it taught that living beings are defiled or undefiled
7. Hearing it taught that living beings are easy or difficult to spiritually uplift
8. Hearing it taught that the spiritual realm is limited or unlimited
9. Hearing it taught that the spiritual realm is attained or lost
10. Hearing it taught that the spiritual realm is existent or nonexistent

Bodhisattvas are encouraged to study these ten things:

1. That all things are without aspects
2. That all things are without substance
3. That all things are impossible to cultivate
4. That all things are without existence
5. That all things are without true reality
6. That all things are empty
7. That all things are without a nature
8. That all things are like an illusion
9. That all things are like a dream
10. That all things are not distinct and separate

This is to make Bodhisattvas minds progress in the attainment of non-regression and endurance in that which is without birth so that they grasp what they hear without having to depend upon others to explain it."

Next          The 42 Stages          Teachings          Home

Copyright © Peter Johnson 2001 - All rights reserved

Copyright Policy - Contact the Author at pj@tientai.net

  Since July 9, 2001

FastCounter by bCentral