Living an appearance-emptiness life - 135
𝕃𝕚𝕧𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕒𝕟 𝔸𝕡𝕡𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕒𝕟𝕔𝕖-𝔼𝕞𝕡𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕖𝕤𝕤 𝕃𝕚𝕗𝕖
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~ Khenpo Tsultrim Rinpoche
http://www.ktgrinpoche.org/quote/living-appearance-emptiness-life
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(i.e. 𝔸𝕝𝕨𝕒𝕪𝕤 𝕒𝕨𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝔾𝕣𝕠𝕦𝕟𝕕, 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕥𝕣𝕦𝕖 𝕟𝕒𝕥𝕦𝕣𝕖 𝕠𝕗 ℝ𝕖𝕒𝕝𝕚𝕥𝕪 𝕒𝕤 𝕚𝕥 𝕚𝕤:
-- 𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕌𝕟𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕋𝕨𝕠 𝕋𝕣𝕦𝕥𝕙𝕤 [𝕌𝟚𝕋],
-- 𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕌𝕟𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕣𝕖𝕖 𝕤𝕡𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖𝕤 [𝕌𝟛𝕊],
-- 𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕌𝕟𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝕠𝕗 𝕠𝕡𝕡𝕠𝕤𝕚𝕥𝕖𝕤 [𝕌𝕠𝕡𝕡],
-- 𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕄𝕚𝕕𝕕𝕝𝕖 𝕎𝕒𝕪 𝕗𝕣𝕖𝕖 𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕞 𝕒𝕝𝕝 𝕖𝕩𝕥𝕣𝕖𝕞𝕖𝕤 & 𝕞𝕚𝕕𝕕𝕝𝕖,
- 𝕗𝕣𝕖𝕖 𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕞 𝕒𝕝𝕝 𝕔𝕠𝕟𝕔𝕖𝕡𝕥𝕦𝕒𝕝 𝕕𝕦𝕒𝕝𝕚𝕤𝕥𝕚𝕔 𝕡𝕣𝕠𝕝𝕚𝕗𝕖𝕣𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟𝕤,
- 𝕗𝕣𝕖𝕖 𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕞 𝕒𝕝𝕝 𝕝𝕚𝕞𝕚𝕥𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟𝕤;
- 𝕗𝕣𝕖𝕖 𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕞 𝕒𝕝𝕝 𝕔𝕠𝕟𝕕𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟𝕚𝕟𝕘 / 𝕜𝕒𝕣𝕞𝕒 / 𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕓𝕠𝕕𝕪, 𝕤𝕡𝕖𝕖𝕔𝕙 & 𝕞𝕚𝕟𝕕;
- 𝕗𝕣𝕖𝕖 𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕞 𝕒𝕝𝕝 𝕒𝕔𝕔𝕖𝕡𝕥𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟 / 𝕒𝕗𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕞𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟 / 𝕤𝕖𝕖𝕜𝕚𝕟𝕘 / 𝕒𝕕𝕕𝕚𝕟𝕘 / 𝕕𝕠𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕚𝕟 𝕒𝕓𝕤𝕠𝕝𝕦𝕥𝕖 𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕞𝕤,
- 𝕗𝕣𝕖𝕖 𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕞 𝕒𝕝𝕝 𝕣𝕖𝕛𝕖𝕔𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟 / 𝕟𝕖𝕘𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟 / 𝕒𝕓𝕒𝕟𝕕𝕠𝕟𝕚𝕟𝕘 / 𝕤𝕦𝕓𝕥𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 / 𝕟𝕠𝕟-𝕕𝕠𝕚𝕟𝕘 / 𝕟𝕠𝕟-𝕥𝕙𝕟𝕜𝕚𝕟𝕘 / 𝕟𝕠𝕟-𝕔𝕠𝕟𝕔𝕖𝕡𝕥𝕦𝕒𝕝𝕚𝕤𝕚𝕟𝕘 / 𝕟𝕠𝕟-𝕕𝕚𝕤𝕔𝕣𝕚𝕞𝕚𝕟𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕚𝕟 𝕒𝕓𝕤𝕠𝕝𝕦𝕥𝕖 𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕞𝕤,
𝕛𝕦𝕤𝕥 𝕔𝕠𝕟𝕧𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟𝕒𝕝𝕝𝕪 / 𝕣𝕖𝕝𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕧𝕖𝕝𝕪.)
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(Note: '𝙛𝙧𝙚𝙚 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢' 𝙙𝙤𝙚𝙨𝙣'𝙩 𝙢𝙚𝙖𝙣 '𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙩', 𝙤𝙧 '𝙣𝙚𝙜𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜', 𝙤𝙧 '𝙧𝙚𝙟𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜';
but just 'not slave to', 'not fooled by', 'not grasping at';
just being able to use them as simple tools without thinking they are inherently existing / universal / absolute;
Just being able to use them while being fully aware of their true nature & dynamic as it is here & now.)
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You know the supreme path that is free from coming and going,
And you teach 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕥𝕣𝕦𝕖 𝕟𝕒𝕥𝕦𝕣𝕖 𝕠𝕗 𝕒𝕝𝕝 𝕡𝕙𝕖𝕟𝕠𝕞𝕖𝕟𝕒 [U2T],
While never leaving a single being out of your compassion’s embrace,
Great mother, noble 𝗧𝗮𝗿𝗮, I bow at your feet.
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(i.e. Taking refuge in 𝗧𝗮𝗿𝗮 representing
the Union of compassion <==> and wisdom / emptiness,
the Union of the Two Truths in action.)
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Since 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗽𝗵𝗲𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗮, 𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿, 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗲𝘅𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 [𝗧𝟭 - 𝗱𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻],
They have 𝗻𝗼 𝗶𝗻𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗻𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 [𝗧𝟮 - 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀],
they are just 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲-𝗲𝗺𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 [𝗨𝟮𝗧 - 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝘄𝗼 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝘁𝗵𝘀].
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(i.e. [𝕌𝟚𝕋] - 𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕌𝕟𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕋𝕨𝕠 𝕋𝕣𝕦𝕥𝕙𝕤 𝕚𝕤 ℝ𝕖𝕒𝕝𝕚𝕥𝕪 𝕒𝕤 𝕚𝕥 𝕚𝕤:
--
-- 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 is inseparable / interdependent / co-defined / co-relative / co-dependent / co-emergent / co-evolving / co-ceasing / in harmony ...
--
-- Like conventionally 𝙙𝙚𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙡𝙮 𝙘𝙤-𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙚 / 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙙𝙚𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙩 relatively functional ever-changing impermanent appearances [T1], merely labelled / imputed by the mind in dependence of its conditioning / karma, not completely non-existent
<==> thus/because 𝙚𝙢𝙥𝙩𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙞𝙣𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙚𝙭𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚[T2], never fixed / independent / separate / universal / absolute but more like open / free, like illusions, not really existent.
-- And vice versa; one aspect / truth implies the other (<==>) [U2T - Union of the Two Truths about everything].
-- Appearing but empty, empty but still appearing and relatively functional.
--
-- 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 is not inherently existent, not completely non-existent, not both together, not neither;
not different / separate / multiple / dual, not identical / united / one / non-dual, not both together, not neither;
not permanent / continuous / eternal, not impermanent / discontinuous / annihilated;
not this, not non-this, not both together, not neither; etc. [tetralemma].
--
-- 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 is free from all extremes & middle,
𝙛𝙧𝙚𝙚 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙙𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙘 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙥𝙩𝙪𝙖𝙡 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨,
free from all limitations,
free from all conditioning / karma.)
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(i.e. [𝕌𝟛𝕊] - 𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕌𝕟𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕣𝕖𝕖 𝕤𝕡𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖𝕤 𝕚𝕤 ℝ𝕖𝕒𝕝𝕚𝕥𝕪 𝕒𝕤 𝕚𝕥 𝕚𝕤:
--
-- 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘀 -- 𝘀𝘂𝗯𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁, 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻/𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗼𝗯𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 -- are inseparable / interdependent / co-defined / co-relative / co-dependent / co-emergent / co-evolving / co-ceasing / in harmony ...
--
-- Like conventionally 𝙙𝙚𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙡𝙮 𝙘𝙤-𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙚 / 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙙𝙚𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙩 relatively functional ever-changing impermanent appearances [T1], merely labelled / imputed by the mind in dependence of its conditioning / karma, not completely non-existent
<==> thus/because 𝙚𝙢𝙥𝙩𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙞𝙣𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙚𝙭𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 [T2], never fixed / independent / separate / universal / absolute but more like open / free, like illusions, not really existent.
-- And vice versa; one aspect / truth implies the other (<==>) [U2T-3S - Union of the Two Truths about the three spheres].
-- Appearing but empty, empty but still appearing and relatively functional.
--
-- 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘀 are not inherently existent, not completely non-existent, not both together, not neither;
not different / separate / multiple / dual, not identical / united / one / non-dual, not both together,
not neither; not permanent / continuous / eternal, not impermanent / discontinuous / annihilated;
not this, not non-this, not both together, not neither; etc. [tetralemma].
--
-- 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘀 are free from all extremes & middle,
𝙛𝙧𝙚𝙚 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙙𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙘 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙥𝙩𝙪𝙖𝙡 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨,
free from all limitations,
free from all conditioning / karma.)
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If you know how they resemble dreams and illusions,
All comings and goings will be open and relaxed.
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(i.e. [𝕌𝟛𝕋] 𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕌𝕟𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕣𝕖𝕖 𝕥𝕚𝕞𝕖𝕤 𝕚𝕤 ℝ𝕖𝕒𝕝𝕚𝕥𝕪 𝕒𝕤 𝕚𝕥 𝕚𝕤:
--
-- There is no real 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴: origination / beginning / birth / coming, duration / lasting & changing / life, cessation / ending / death / going;
no real 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀: before / past, during / present, after / future.
--
-- 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲 are inseparable / interdependent / co-defined / co-relative / co-dependent / co-emergent / co-evolving / co-ceasing / in harmony ...
--
-- Like conventionally 𝙙𝙚𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙡𝙮 𝙘𝙤-𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙚 / 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙙𝙚𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙩 relatively functional ever-changing impermanent appearances [T1], merely labelled / imputed by the mind in dependence of its conditioning / karma, not completely non-existent
<==> thus/because 𝙚𝙢𝙥𝙩𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙞𝙣𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙚𝙭𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 [T2], never fixed / independent / separate / universal / absolute but more like open / free, like illusions, not really existent.
-- And vice versa; one aspect / truth implies the other (<==>) [U2T-3T - Union of the Two Truths about the three times].
-- Appearing but empty, empty but still appearing and relatively functional.
--
-- 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲 are not inherently existent, not completely non-existent, not both together, not neither;
not different / separate / multiple / dual, not identical / united / one / non-dual, not both together, not neither;
not permanent / continuous / eternal, not impermanent / discontinuous / annihilated; etc.;
not this, not non-this, not both together, not neither. [tetralemma]
--
-- 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲 are free from all extremes & middle,
𝙛𝙧𝙚𝙚 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙙𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙘 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙥𝙩𝙪𝙖𝙡 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨,
free from all limitations,
free from all conditioning / karma.)
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Since appearances of friends and enemies are dependently existent,
Both are appearance-emptiness, like rainbows, and if you know this,
That is called, "meditation on illusion."
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(i.e. [𝕌𝕠𝕡𝕡] - 𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕌𝕟𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝕠𝕗 𝕠𝕡𝕡𝕠𝕤𝕚𝕥𝕖𝕤 𝕚𝕤 ℝ𝕖𝕒𝕝𝕚𝕥𝕪 𝕒𝕤 𝕚𝕥 𝕚𝕤:
--
-- 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀 -- 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱 & 𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗺𝘆 -- are inseparable / interdependent / co-defined / co-relative / co-dependent / co-emergent / co-evolving / co-ceasing / in harmony ...
--
-- Like conventionally 𝙙𝙚𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙡𝙮 𝙘𝙤-𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙚 / 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙙𝙚𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙩 relatively functional ever-changing impermanent appearances [T1], merely labelled / imputed by the mind in dependence of its conditioning / karma, not completely non-existent
<==> thus/because 𝙚𝙢𝙥𝙩𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙞𝙣𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙚𝙭𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 [T2], never fixed / independent / separate / universal / absolute but more like open / free, like illusions, not really existent.
-- And vice versa; one aspect / truth implies the other (<==>) [U2T-opp - Union of the Two Truths about the opposites in any duality / triad / quads / etc.].
-- Appearing but empty, empty but still appearing and relatively functional.
--
-- 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀 are not inherently existent, not completely non-existent, not both together, not neither;
not different / separate / multiple / dual, not identical / united / one / non-dual, not both together, not neither;
not permanent / continuous / eternal, not impermanent / discontinuous / annihilated;
not this, not non-this, not both together, not neither; etc. [tetralemma].
--
-- 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀 are free from all extremes & middle,
𝙛𝙧𝙚𝙚 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙙𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙘 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙥𝙩𝙪𝙖𝙡 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨,
free from all limitations,
free from all conditioning / karma.)
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(i.e. [𝕌𝟚𝕋-𝟚𝕋] 𝔼𝕧𝕖𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕥𝕨𝕠 𝕥𝕣𝕦𝕥𝕙𝕤 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕞𝕤𝕖𝕝𝕧𝕖𝕤 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕝𝕚𝕜𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥:
--
-- 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝘄𝗼 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘁𝗵𝘀 -- 𝗱𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 & 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀, 𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 & 𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘁𝗵 -- are inseparable / interdependent / co-defined / co-relative / co-dependent / co-emergent / co-evolving / co-ceasing / in harmony ...
--
-- Like conventionally 𝙙𝙚𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙡𝙮 𝙘𝙤-𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙚 / 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙙𝙚𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙩 relatively functional ever-changing impermanent appearances [T1], merely labelled / imputed by the mind in dependence of its conditioning / karma, not completely non-existent
<==> thus/because 𝙚𝙢𝙥𝙩𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙞𝙣𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙚𝙭𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 [T2], never fixed / independent / separate / universal / absolute but more like open / free, like illusions, not really existent.
-- And vice versa; one aspect / truth implies the other (<==>) [U2T-2T - Union of the Two Truths about the two truths themselves].
-- Appearing but empty, empty but still appearing and relatively functional.
--
-- 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝘄𝗼 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘁𝗵𝘀 are not inherently existent, not completely non-existent, not both together, not neither;
not different / separate / multiple / dual, not identical / united / one / non-dual, not both together, not neither;
not permanent / continuous / eternal, not impermanent / discontinuous / annihilated;
not this, not non-this, not both together, not neither; etc. [tetralemma].
--
-- 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝘄𝗼 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘁𝗵𝘀 are free from all extremes & middle,
𝙛𝙧𝙚𝙚 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙙𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙘 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙥𝙩𝙪𝙖𝙡 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨,
free from all limitations,
free from all conditioning / karma.).
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Within openness you will achieve inner peace.
A planet and a particle are 𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹,
An aeon and an instant are 𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹, the Buddha taught.
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(i.e. In that sense everything is already equal, pure, perfect, divine here & now for one who perceive them with direct wisdom.)
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If you 𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀,
Within spaciousness, any work you do will come out alright.
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When you are expert at studying your own mind
(𝘪.𝘦. 𝘚𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘢𝘴 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 & 𝘯𝘰𝘸, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘴𝘱𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘴: 𝘴𝘶𝘣𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵 / 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘥, 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 / 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘰𝘣𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘴 / 𝘱𝘩𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘢.)
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All that appears becomes your guru (𝘉𝘶𝘥𝘥𝘩𝘢 / 𝘛𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘳),
And even your enemies become friends of your Dharma practice
(𝘪.𝘦. 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘦 𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘢𝘴 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 & 𝘯𝘰𝘸.) -
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𝗘 𝗺𝗮! 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮 𝘄𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗺𝗶𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗹𝗲! (𝘉𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘴)
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– Khenpo Tsultrim Rinpoche
http://www.ktgrinpoche.org/quote/living-appearance-emptiness-life
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Comments in (...) from Gilles
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(Prajñāpāramitā statue from East Java, Indonesia)
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[01. The Madhyamaka Machine about all dharmas: Union of the Two Truths about all dharmas [U2T].]
(i.e. Version 2021-12-30: Union of the Two Truths about all dharmas [U2T]:
The true nature & dynamic of any & all dharmas -- ex. all appearances / fabrications / composites (the five aggregates; body, speech, mind; physical, conceptual, mental fabrications; individual, collective, cosmic; of samsara / impure and nirvana / pure), the three spheres (subject, relation / action, object for any type of relation or action), the opposites of any duality / triad / quad /etc, even the two truths themselves --
is indescribable / inconceivable for our flawed conditioned dualistic conceptual mind(s) based on two erroneous basic assumptions -- inherent existence and opposition / duality --;
it has to be spontaneously personally non-conceptually non-dualistically directly perceived / realised / experienced / abided in.
--
[Uall: ALL DHARMAS ARE EQUAL PURE PERFECT INSEPARABLE MANIFESTATIONS OF THE GROUND:]
All dharmas are spontaneous natural non-dual manifestations of the Ground, inseparable from the Ground: this inconceivable unique all-pervasive unborn unchanging unconditioned unceasing pristine Ground / Basis / Source / Suchness / Dharmata / Dharmadhatu / Buddha-nature / Genuine-emptiness / Ati / Dzogchen / Mahamudra / Intrinsic-awareness / Primordial-empty-awareness / Awakened-mind / Naturally-coemergent-timeless-awareness / Union of the Two Truths [U2T] … the inconceivable unique true nature & dynamic of all dharmas beyond all extremes & middle, beyond all dualistic conceptual proliferations, beyond all limits, beyond all conditioning / karma; beyond all views, methods and goals; beyond all desciption / conceptualisation, discrimination / dualities, causality / production, matter-energy, space & time; beyond both samsara & nirvana.
--
[U2T-All: UNION OF THE TWO TRUTHS ABOUT ANY & ALL DHARMAS:]
[Uopp] Apparent opposites are not really in opposition, but more like inseparable (one cannot exists without the other(s)), interdependent (one implies the other(s)), co-defined (the definition of one defines the other(s)), co-relative, co-dependent, co-emergent (they arise together), co-evolving (they change together), co-ceasing / co-transcended (they cease together), in harmony (not in real opposition) (in the non-dual sense of those terms: ex. not this, not non-this, not both together, not neither).
The true nature & dynamic of any & all dharmas -- ex. the three spheres (subject / mind, relation / action, object / phenomena) [U3S], the opposites of any duality / triad / quad /etc. [Uopp], even the two truths themselves [U2T-2T] --
is like an ineffable / inconceivable Union of being conventionally dependently co-arisen (interdependent) relatively functional ever-changing impermanent appearances [T1 - first truth], co-dependent with their parts (when applicable), with their causes & conditions (when applicable), their conceptual opposite(s) (always), and especially co-dependent with the mind merely labelling / imputing / conceptualising / classifying them [U3S] in dependence of its past / conditioning / karma, not completely non-dependently-arising / non-existent / non-changing / non-functional / non-ceasing / useless / meaningless
<==> and being empty of inherent existence [T2 - second truth], never fixed / independent / separate / universal / absolute, but more like open / free, not really dependently-co-arisen / co-existent / co-changing / co-functional / co-ceasing.
One aspect / truth implies the other (<==>) [U2T], one aspect / truth proves the other (<==>).
’They are there but not there’, like dreams / magical illusions / tricks of the sight / mirages / reflections / echos / Cities of Gandharvas / emanated apparitions. They are 'like them in some aspect(s)' but not exactly the same; all metaphors have their limits.
All dharmas are dependently co-appearing & relatively functional <==> but still empty of inherent existence; empty of inherent existence <==> but still conventionally dependently co-appearing & relatively functional. And that is not grasping at the conventional / relative, or at the ultimate / emptiness, or both together, or neither.
[TETRALEMMA:] All dharmas are not inherently existent (still empty of inherent existence) <==> but still not completely non-existent (still conventionally dependently co-arisen relatively functional ever-changing impermanent appearances), not both existent & non-existent together, not neither existent nor non-existent, and there is no fifth. This is another way to express the inconceivable Union of the Two Truths [U2T].
[BEYOND:] Meaning their true nature is indescribable / inconceivable, beyond all extremes & middle, beyond all dualistic conceptual proliferations, beyond all limits, beyond all conditioning / karma (physical, conceptual, mental) x (individual, collective, cosmic).
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[U2T-2T:] Theses two aspects / truths -- dependent co-origination & functionality [T1] and emptiness of inherent existence [T2] --, like any group of apparent opposites, are inseparable (one cannot exists without the other), interdependent (one implies the other), co-defined (the definition of one defines the other), co-relative, co-dependent, co-emergent (they arise together), co-evolving (they change together), co-ceasing / co-transcended (they cease together), in harmony (not in real opposition) (in the non-dual sense of those terms: not this, not non-this, not both together, not neither) [T1-2T] <==> thus themselves empty of inherent existence [T2-2T].
The two truths are not different / separate / multiple / dual, not identical / united / one / non-dual, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth. So all dharmas are not really arising [T1] or not, not really empty of inherent existence [T2] or not, not really both together [2T], not really neither [1T], and there is no fifth.
The two truths themselves and their Union are mere pointers to the inconceivable, mere tools, mere imperfect temporary adapted skillful means. So there is nothing left here to grasp as independent / universal / absolute / inherently existing. Everything is like luminous space, a limitless & centerless ocean of interdependence and emptiness.
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[The three inseparable qualities of the Ground:] The emptiness of inherent existence [T2] is called the essence of the Ground; the conventionally dependently co-arisen relatively functional ever-changing impermanent appearances [T1] is called the nature of the Ground; the inseparability / interdependence / harmony / Union between those two aspects [U2T] is called the dynamic-energy / compassionate-energy of the Ground.
This primordial unborn unchanging unceasing ‘dynamic-energy’, or inseparability of the two aspects / truths, is the creative potential that accounts for everything in both samsara & nirvana.
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[With/without wisdom:] When directly seen as they really are [U2T], appearances (all dharmas) are said to be pure like the three inseparable pure kayas; this is nirvana. But when seen with ignorance of their true nature & dynamic [U2T], appearances are said to be impure, dependent on karma, and causing more karma; this is the limitless karmic cycle. But, ultimately, Reality is beyond all dualities like: pure & impure, wisdom & ignorance, samsara & nirvana.
--
[Best Approximation / Pointers to their inconceivable true nature & dynamic:]
The true nature & dynamic of any & all dharmas -- ex. the three spheres (subject / mind, relation / action, object / phenomena), the opposites of any duality / triad / quad /etc, even the two truths themselves --
is pointed by concepts like:
– the inconceivable Union of the Two Truths about all dharmas [U2T],
– the inconceivable Union of the three spheres about all dharmas [U3S / U2T-3S],
– the inconceivable Union of opposites about all dharmas [Non-duality / Oneness / Uopp / U2T-opp],
– the inconceivable Middle Way about all dharmas,
– the tetralemma about all dharmas,
– freedom from all extremes & middle, freedom from all dualistic conceptual proliferations, freedom from all limits, freedom from all conditioning / karma,
– the Ground / Basis / Source / Suchness / Dharmata / Dharmadhatu / Buddha-nature / Genuine-emptiness / Ati / Dzogchen / Mahamudra /
– Enlightened-mind / Intrinsic-awareness / Primordial-empty-awareness.
--
[TETRALEMMA:] All dharmas -- ex. the three spheres (subject / mind, relation / action, object / phenomena), the opposites of any duality / triad / quad /etc., even the two truths themselves -- are
-- not inherently existent, not completely non-existent, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth;
-- not different / separate / multiple / dual, not identical / united / one / non-dual, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth;
-- not permanent / continuous / eternal, not impermanent / discontinuous / annihilated, and there is no fifth;
-- not purely objective / physical / body, not purely subjective / mental / mind, not purely relational / process / conceptual / speech, not two or three of them together, not none of them, and there is no other possibility;
-- not dependent / caused / produced / functional, not independent / uncaused/spontaneous / unproduced / non-functional, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth;
-- not composite / contextual / conditioned, not non-composite / non-contextual / unconditioned, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth;
-- not merely labelled / imputed / conceptualised by the mind, not not-merely labelled / imputed / conceptualised by the mind, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth;
-- not self-caused, not other-caused, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth;
-- not changing / evolving, not completely non-changing / evolving, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth;
-- not empty, not non-empty, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth;
-- not conventional / relative / false, not absolute / universal / true, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth;
-- not dependently co-arisen / interdependent / mere-interdependence [T1], not empty of inherent existence / mere-emptiness [T2], not both together [2T], not neither [1T], and there is no fifth;
-- not unequal / impure / imperfect / ordinary / incomplete / bad, not equal / pure / perfect / divine / complete / good, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth;
-- not unreal / identical to illusions / dreams / mirage / magic tricks, not real / different from illusions / dreams / mirage / magic tricks, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth;
-- not describable / conceivable / meaningful, not indescribable / inconceivable / meaningless, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth;
-- not this, not non-this, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth -- for whatever ‘this’ could be -- (this could be generalised for groups of more than two apparent opposites; ex. the three spheres, the three kayas, the three gems, the three times, the four cardinal directions, the five …, the six ...).
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Meaning their true nature (Ground / Suchness / U2T) is indescribable / inconceivable (in absolute terms) for our flawed conditioned dualistic conceptual mind(s), beyond all extremes & middle, beyond all dualistic conceptual proliferations, beyond all limits, beyond all conditioning / karma; beyond all description / conceptualisation, discrimination / differentiation, causality / production, matter-energy, space & time.
So there is no independent / universal / absolute / inherently existing basis for any discrimination / differentiation in absolute terms, just conventionally / relatively / inter-subjectively.
And there is nothing to accept / affirm / seek / add / do in absolute terms, nothing to reject / negate / abandon / eliminate / subtract / not-do in absolute terms, just conventionally / relatively / inter-subjectively if it helps someone get closer to the inconceivable liberating Truth: the Union of the Two Truths about all dharmas [U2T], the Union of the three spheres [U3S / U2T-3S], the Union of apparent opposites [Uopp / U2T-opp], the Middle Way in everything, the tetralemma, the primordial spontaneity / equality / purity / perfection / divinity / completeness of all dharmas.
In that sense everything is primordially spontaneous, equal, pure, perfect, divine, complete. Everything is like the pristine display of the Ground / Suchness / Union of the Two Truths [U2T].
It may look complicated but all of this can be resumed into one thing: The Union of the Two Truths about all dharmas. Everything else, all these words, is just to help us to stay away from all possible extremes & middle, and create enough room for a possible inconceivable spontaneous individual non-dualistic non-conceptual direct perception / realisation / experience of the true nature of Reality as it is here & now: U2T.
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[MIDDLE WAY:]
So the best attitude toward all dharmas is the Middle Way free from all extremes & middle:
nothing to accept / affirm / seek / add / do / cause / produce / change / improve / cultivate / perceive / know / experience / acquire / possess / purify / liberate / achieve ... in absolute terms,
nothing to reject / negate / abandon / eliminate / subtract / not-do / not-cause / not-produce / not-change / not-improve or deteriorate / not-cultivate / not-perceive / not-know / not-experience / not-acquire / not-possess / not-purify or stain / not-liberate or enslave / not-achieve ... in absolute terms,
just conventionally / relatively / inter-subjectively if it helps someone to get closer to the inconceivable liberating Truth: the Union of the Two Truths [U2T].
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Extremes like:
i) existence / realism / causality / dependent origination / karma / relative-truth-only [T1],
ii) non-existence / nihilism / mere-nothingness / mere-emptiness / ultimate-truth-only [T2],
iii) both existence & non-existence together / a form of dualism / the two truths together, in opposition / duality of the two truths [2T],
iv) neither existence nor non-existence / a form of monism / neither of the two truths / oneness of the two truths [1T];
or extremes like
v) subject-only / mind-only / idealism / subjectivism,
vi) object-only / naïve realism / objectivism,
vii) relation-only / process-only / action-only / relationism / processism,
viii) two or three of them together / pluralism,
ix) none to them / monism.
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For the latest version of this box see:
Madhyamaka Machine - Blog Post #158
https://www.gilehtblog.com/2021/11/madhyamaka-machine.html)
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[02. If we put apparent opposites like ‘opposite-1, opposite-2 ...’ into the Madhyamaka Machine we get: the Union of opposites [Uopp] // the Union of the Two Truths about opposites in general [U2T-opp].]
(i.e. Version 2021-12-30 - Union of apparent opposite like 'opposite-1, opposite-2 ...' [Uopp]:
The true nature & dynamic of apparent opposites like 'opposite-1, opposite-2 ...' is indescribable / inconceivable for our flawed conditioned dualistic conceptual mind(s) based on two erroneous basic assumptions -- inherent existence and opposition / duality --;
it has to be spontaneously personally non-conceptually non-dualistically directly perceived / realised / experienced / abided in.
--
[Uopp: APPARENT OPPOSITES LIKE 'OPPOSITE-1, OPPOSITE-2 ...' ARE EQUAL PURE PERFECT INSEPARABLE MANIFESTATIONS OF THE GROUND:]
Apparent opposites like 'opposite-1, opposite-2 ...' are spontaneous natural non-dual manifestations of the Ground, inseparable from the Ground: this inconceivable unique all-pervasive unborn unchanging unconditioned unceasing pristine Ground / Basis / Source / Suchness / Dharmata / Dharmadhatu / Buddha-nature / Genuine-emptiness / Ati / Dzogchen / Mahamudra / Intrinsic-awareness / Primordial-empty-awareness / Awakened-mind / Naturally-coemergent-timeless-awareness / Union of the Two Truths [U2T] … the inconceivable unique true nature & dynamic of all dharmas beyond all extremes & middle, beyond all dualistic conceptual proliferations, beyond all limits, beyond all conditioning / karma; beyond all views, methods and goals; beyond all desciption / conceptualisation, discrimination / dualities, causality / production, matter-energy, space & time; beyond both samsara & nirvana.
--
[U2T-opp: UNION OF THE TWO TRUTHS ABOUT APPARENT OPPOSITES LIKE 'OPPOSITE-1, OPPOSITE-2 ...':]
[Uopp] Apparent opposites are not really in opposition, but more like inseparable (one cannot exists without the other(s)), interdependent (one implies the other(s)), co-defined (the definition of one defines the other(s)), co-relative, co-dependent, co-emergent (they arise together), co-evolving (they change together), co-ceasing / co-transcended (they cease together), in harmony (not in real opposition) (in the non-dual sense of those terms: ex. not this, not non-this, not both together, not neither).
The true nature & dynamic of apparent opposites like 'opposite-1, opposite-2 ...'
is like an ineffable / inconceivable Union of being conventionally dependently co-arisen (interdependent) relatively functional ever-changing impermanent appearances [T1 - first truth], co-dependent with their parts (when applicable), with their causes & conditions (when applicable), their conceptual opposite(s) (always), and especially co-dependent with the mind merely labelling / imputing / conceptualising / classifying them [U3S] in dependence of its past / conditioning / karma, not completely non-dependently-arising / non-existent / non-changing / non-functional / non-ceasing / useless / meaningless
<==> and being empty of inherent existence [T2 - second truth], never fixed / independent / separate / universal / absolute, but more like open / free, not really dependently-co-arisen / co-existent / co-changing / co-functional / co-ceasing.
One aspect / truth implies the other (<==>) [U2T], one aspect / truth proves the other (<==>).
’They are there but not there’, like dreams / magical illusions / tricks of the sight / mirages / reflections / echos / Cities of Gandharvas / emanated apparitions. They are 'like them in some aspect(s)' but not exactly the same; all metaphors have their limits.
Apparent opposites like 'opposite-1, opposite-2 ...' are dependently co-appearing & relatively functional <==> but still empty of inherent existence; empty of inherent existence <==> but still conventionally dependently co-appearing & relatively functional. And that is not grasping at the conventional / relative, or at the ultimate / emptiness, or both together, or neither.
[TETRALEMMA:] Apparent opposites like 'opposite-1, opposite-2 ...' are not inherently existent (still empty of inherent existence) <==> but still not completely non-existent (still conventionally dependently co-arisen relatively functional ever-changing impermanent appearances), not both existent & non-existent together, not neither existent nor non-existent, and there is no fifth. This is another way to express the inconceivable Union of the Two Truths [U2T].
[BEYOND:] Meaning their true nature is indescribable / inconceivable, beyond all extremes & middle, beyond all dualistic conceptual proliferations, beyond all limits, beyond all conditioning / karma (physical, conceptual, mental) x (individual, collective, cosmic).
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[U2T-2T:] Theses two aspects / truths -- dependent co-origination & functionality [T1] and emptiness of inherent existence [T2] --, like any group of apparent opposites, are inseparable (one cannot exists without the other), interdependent (one implies the other), co-defined (the definition of one defines the other), co-relative, co-dependent, co-emergent (they arise together), co-evolving (they change together), co-ceasing / co-transcended (they cease together), in harmony (not in real opposition) (in the non-dual sense of those terms: not this, not non-this, not both together, not neither) [T1-2T] <==> thus themselves empty of inherent existence [T2-2T].
The two truths are not different / separate / multiple / dual, not identical / united / one / non-dual, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth. So apparent opposites like 'opposite-1, opposite-2 ...' are not really arising [T1] or not, not really empty of inherent existence [T2] or not, not really both together [2T], not really neither [1T], and there is no fifth.
The two truths themselves and their Union are mere pointers to the inconceivable, mere tools, mere imperfect temporary adapted skillful means. So there is nothing left here to grasp as independent / universal / absolute / inherently existing. Everything is like luminous space, a limitless & centerless ocean of interdependence and emptiness.
-
[The three inseparable qualities of the Ground:] The emptiness of inherent existence [T2] is called the essence of the Ground; the conventionally dependently co-arisen relatively functional ever-changing impermanent appearances [T1] is called the nature of the Ground; the inseparability / interdependence / harmony / Union between those two aspects [U2T] is called the dynamic-energy / compassionate-energy of the Ground.
This primordial unborn unchanging unceasing ‘dynamic-energy’, or inseparability of the two aspects / truths, is the creative potential that accounts for everything in both samsara & nirvana.
-
[With/without wisdom:] When directly seen as they really are [U2T], appearances (apparent opposites like 'opposite-1, opposite-2 ...') are said to be pure like the three inseparable pure kayas; this is nirvana. But when seen with ignorance of their true nature & dynamic [U2T], appearances are said to be impure, dependent on karma, and causing more karma; this is the limitless karmic cycle. But, ultimately, Reality is beyond all dualities like: pure & impure, wisdom & ignorance, samsara & nirvana.
--
[Best Approximation / Pointers to their inconceivable true nature & dynamic:]
The true nature & dynamic of apparent opposites like 'opposite-1, opposite-2 ...' is pointed by concepts like:
– the inconceivable Union of the Two Truths about apparent opposites like 'opposite-1, opposite-2 ...' [U2T-opp],
– the inconceivable Union of the three spheres about apparent opposites like 'opposite-1, opposite-2 ...' [U3S / U2T-3S-opp],
– the inconceivable Union of opposites about apparent opposites like 'opposite-1, opposite-2 ...' [Non-duality / Oneness / Uopp / U2T-opp],
– the inconceivable Middle Way about apparent opposites like 'opposite-1, opposite-2 ...',
– the tetralemma about apparent opposites like 'opposite-1, opposite-2 ...',
– freedom from all extremes & middle, freedom from all dualistic conceptual proliferations, freedom from all limits, freedom from all conditioning / karma,
– the Ground / Basis / Source / Suchness / Dharmata / Dharmadhatu / Buddha-nature / Genuine-emptiness / Ati / Dzogchen / Mahamudra /
– Enlightened-mind / Intrinsic-awareness / Primordial-empty-awareness.
--
[TETRALEMMA:] Apparent opposites like 'opposite-1, opposite-2 ...' are
-- not inherently existent, not completely non-existent, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth;
-- not different / separate / multiple / dual, not identical / united / one / non-dual, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth;
-- not permanent / continuous / eternal, not impermanent / discontinuous / annihilated, and there is no fifth;
-- not purely objective / physical / body, not purely subjective / mental / mind, not purely relational / process / conceptual / speech, not two or three of them together, not none of them, and there is no other possibility;
-- not dependent / caused / produced / functional, not independent / uncaused/spontaneous / unproduced / non-functional, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth;
-- not composite / contextual / conditioned, not non-composite / non-contextual / unconditioned, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth;
-- not merely labelled / imputed / conceptualised by the mind, not not-merely labelled / imputed / conceptualised by the mind, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth;
-- not self-caused, not other-caused, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth;
-- not changing / evolving, not completely non-changing / evolving, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth;
-- not empty, not non-empty, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth;
-- not conventional / relative / false, not absolute / universal / true, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth;
-- not dependently co-arisen / interdependent / mere-interdependence [T1], not empty of inherent existence / mere-emptiness [T2], not both together [2T], not neither [1T], and there is no fifth;
-- not unequal / impure / imperfect / ordinary / incomplete / bad, not equal / pure / perfect / divine / complete / good, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth;
-- not unreal / identical to illusions / dreams / mirage / magic tricks, not real / different from illusions / dreams / mirage / magic tricks, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth;
-- not describable / conceivable / meaningful, not indescribable / inconceivable / meaningless, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth;
-- not this, not non-this, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth -- for whatever ‘this’ could be -- (this could be generalised for groups of more than two apparent opposites; ex. the three spheres, the three kayas, the three gems, the three times, the four cardinal directions, the five …, the six ...).
-
Meaning their true nature (Ground / Suchness / U2T) is indescribable / inconceivable (in absolute terms) for our flawed conditioned dualistic conceptual mind(s), beyond all extremes & middle, beyond all dualistic conceptual proliferations, beyond all limits, beyond all conditioning / karma; beyond all description / conceptualisation, discrimination / differentiation, causality / production, matter-energy, space & time.
So there is no independent / universal / absolute / inherently existing basis for any discrimination / differentiation in absolute terms, just conventionally / relatively / inter-subjectively.
And there is nothing to accept / affirm / seek / add / do in absolute terms, nothing to reject / negate / abandon / eliminate / subtract / not-do in absolute terms, just conventionally / relatively / inter-subjectively if it helps someone get closer to the inconceivable liberating Truth: the Union of the Two Truths about all dharmas [U2T], the Union of the three spheres [U3S / U2T-3S], the Union of apparent opposites [Uopp / U2T-opp], the Middle Way in everything, the tetralemma, the primordial spontaneity / equality / purity / perfection / divinity / completeness of all dharmas.
In that sense everything is primordially spontaneous, equal, pure, perfect, divine, complete. Everything is like the pristine display of the Ground / Suchness / Union of the Two Truths [U2T].
It may look complicated but all of this can be resumed into one thing: The Union of the Two Truths about all dharmas. Everything else, all these words, is just to help us to stay away from all possible extremes & middle, and create enough room for a possible inconceivable spontaneous individual non-dualistic non-conceptual direct perception / realisation / experience of the true nature of Reality as it is here & now: U2T.
-
[MIDDLE WAY:]
So the best attitude toward all dharmas is the Middle Way free from all extremes & middle:
nothing to accept / affirm / seek / add / do / cause / produce / change / improve / cultivate / perceive / know / experience / acquire / possess / purify / liberate / achieve ... in absolute terms,
nothing to reject / negate / abandon / eliminate / subtract / not-do / not-cause / not-produce / not-change / not-improve or deteriorate / not-cultivate / not-perceive / not-know / not-experience / not-acquire / not-possess / not-purify or stain / not-liberate or enslave / not-achieve ... in absolute terms,
just conventionally / relatively / inter-subjectively if it helps someone to get closer to the inconceivable liberating Truth: the Union of the Two Truths [U2T].
-
Extremes like:
i) existence / realism / causality / dependent origination / karma / relative-truth-only [T1],
ii) non-existence / nihilism / mere-nothingness / mere-emptiness / ultimate-truth-only [T2],
iii) both existence & non-existence together / a form of dualism / the two truths together, in opposition / duality of the two truths [2T],
iv) neither existence nor non-existence / a form of monism / neither of the two truths / oneness of the two truths [1T];
or extremes like
v) subject-only / mind-only / idealism / subjectivism,
vi) object-only / naïve realism / objectivism,
vii) relation-only / process-only / action-only / relationism / processism,
viii) two or three of them together / pluralism,
ix) none to them / monism.
-
For the latest version of this box see:
Madhyamaka Machine - Blog Post #158
https://www.gilehtblog.com/2021/11/madhyamaka-machine.html)
.
[03. If we put apparent opposites like ‘the three spheres -- ex. subject / mind, relation / action / awareness, object / phenomena --’ into the Madhyamaka Machine we get: the Union of the three spheres [U3S] // the Union of the Two Truths about the three spheres [U2T-3S].]
(i.e. Version 2021-12-30 - Union of apparent opposites like 'the three spheres -- ex. subject / mind, relation / action / awareness, object / phenomena --' [U3S]:
The true nature & dynamic of apparent opposites like 'the three spheres -- ex. subject / mind, relation / action / awareness, object / phenomena --' is indescribable / inconceivable for our flawed conditioned dualistic conceptual mind(s) based on two erroneous basic assumptions -- inherent existence and opposition / duality --;
it has to be spontaneously personally non-conceptually non-dualistically directly perceived / realised / experienced / abided in.
--
[U3S: APPARENT OPPOSITES LIKE 'THE THREE SPHERES -- EX. SUBJECT / MIND, RELATION / ACTION / AWARENESS, OBJECT / PHENOMENA --' ARE EQUAL PURE PERFECT INSEPARABLE MANIFESTATIONS OF THE GROUND:]
Apparent opposites like 'the three spheres -- ex. subject / mind, relation / action / awareness, object / phenomena --' are spontaneous natural non-dual manifestations of the Ground, inseparable from the Ground: this inconceivable unique all-pervasive unborn unchanging unconditioned unceasing pristine Ground / Basis / Source / Suchness / Dharmata / Dharmadhatu / Buddha-nature / Genuine-emptiness / Ati / Dzogchen / Mahamudra / Intrinsic-awareness / Primordial-empty-awareness / Awakened-mind / Naturally-coemergent-timeless-awareness / Union of the Two Truths [U2T] … the inconceivable unique true nature & dynamic of all dharmas beyond all extremes & middle, beyond all dualistic conceptual proliferations, beyond all limits, beyond all conditioning / karma; beyond all views, methods and goals; beyond all desciption / conceptualisation, discrimination / dualities, causality / production, matter-energy, space & time; beyond both samsara & nirvana.
--
[U2T-3S: UNION OF THE TWO TRUTHS ABOUT APPARENT OPPOSITES LIKE 'THE THREE SPHERES -- EX. SUBJECT / MIND, RELATION / ACTION / AWARENESS, OBJECT / PHENOMENA --':]
[Uopp] Apparent opposites are not really in opposition, but more like inseparable (one cannot exists without the other(s)), interdependent (one implies the other(s)), co-defined (the definition of one defines the other(s)), co-relative, co-dependent, co-emergent (they arise together), co-evolving (they change together), co-ceasing / co-transcended (they cease together), in harmony (not in real opposition) (in the non-dual sense of those terms: ex. not this, not non-this, not both together, not neither).
The true nature & dynamic of apparent opposites like 'the three spheres -- ex. subject / mind, relation / action / awareness, object / phenomena --'
is like an ineffable / inconceivable Union of being conventionally dependently co-arisen (interdependent) relatively functional ever-changing impermanent appearances [T1 - first truth], co-dependent with their parts (when applicable), with their causes & conditions (when applicable), their conceptual opposite(s) (always), and especially co-dependent with the mind merely labelling / imputing / conceptualising / classifying them [U3S] in dependence of its past / conditioning / karma, not completely non-dependently-arising / non-existent / non-changing / non-functional / non-ceasing / useless / meaningless
<==> and being empty of inherent existence [T2 - second truth], never fixed / independent / separate / universal / absolute, but more like open / free, not really dependently-co-arisen / co-existent / co-changing / co-functional / co-ceasing.
One aspect / truth implies the other (<==>) [U2T], one aspect / truth proves the other (<==>).
’They are there but not there’, like dreams / magical illusions / tricks of the sight / mirages / reflections / echos / Cities of Gandharvas / emanated apparitions. They are 'like them in some aspect(s)' but not exactly the same; all metaphors have their limits.
Apparent opposites like 'the three spheres -- ex. subject / mind, relation / action / awareness, object / phenomena --' are dependently co-appearing & relatively functional <==> but still empty of inherent existence; empty of inherent existence <==> but still conventionally dependently co-appearing & relatively functional. And that is not grasping at the conventional / relative, or at the ultimate / emptiness, or both together, or neither.
[TETRALEMMA:] Apparent opposites like 'the three spheres -- ex. subject / mind, relation / action / awareness, object / phenomena --' are not inherently existent (still empty of inherent existence) <==> but still not completely non-existent (still conventionally dependently co-arisen relatively functional ever-changing impermanent appearances), not both existent & non-existent together, not neither existent nor non-existent, and there is no fifth. This is another way to express the inconceivable Union of the Two Truths [U2T].
[BEYOND:] Meaning their true nature is indescribable / inconceivable, beyond all extremes & middle, beyond all dualistic conceptual proliferations, beyond all limits, beyond all conditioning / karma (physical, conceptual, mental) x (individual, collective, cosmic).
-
[U2T-2T:] Theses two aspects / truths -- dependent co-origination & functionality [T1] and emptiness of inherent existence [T2] --, like any group of apparent opposites, are inseparable (one cannot exists without the other), interdependent (one implies the other), co-defined (the definition of one defines the other), co-relative, co-dependent, co-emergent (they arise together), co-evolving (they change together), co-ceasing / co-transcended (they cease together), in harmony (not in real opposition) (in the non-dual sense of those terms: not this, not non-this, not both together, not neither) [T1-2T] <==> thus themselves empty of inherent existence [T2-2T].
The two truths are not different / separate / multiple / dual, not identical / united / one / non-dual, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth. So apparent opposites like 'the three spheres -- ex. subject / mind, relation / action / awareness, object / phenomena --' are not really arising [T1] or not, not really empty of inherent existence [T2] or not, not really both together [2T], not really neither [1T], and there is no fifth.
The two truths themselves and their Union are mere pointers to the inconceivable, mere tools, mere imperfect temporary adapted skillful means. So there is nothing left here to grasp as independent / universal / absolute / inherently existing. Everything is like luminous space, a limitless & centerless ocean of interdependence and emptiness.
-
[The three inseparable qualities of the Ground:] The emptiness of inherent existence [T2] is called the essence of the Ground; the conventionally dependently co-arisen relatively functional ever-changing impermanent appearances [T1] is called the nature of the Ground; the inseparability / interdependence / harmony / Union between those two aspects [U2T] is called the dynamic-energy / compassionate-energy of the Ground.
This primordial unborn unchanging unceasing ‘dynamic-energy’, or inseparability of the two aspects / truths, is the creative potential that accounts for everything in both samsara & nirvana.
-
[With/without wisdom:] When directly seen as they really are [U2T], appearances (apparent opposites like 'the three spheres -- ex. subject / mind, relation / action / awareness, object / phenomena --') are said to be pure like the three inseparable pure kayas; this is nirvana. But when seen with ignorance of their true nature & dynamic [U2T], appearances are said to be impure, dependent on karma, and causing more karma; this is the limitless karmic cycle. But, ultimately, Reality is beyond all dualities like: pure & impure, wisdom & ignorance, samsara & nirvana.
--
[Best Approximation / Pointers to their inconceivable true nature & dynamic:]
The true nature & dynamic of apparent opposites like 'the three spheres -- ex. subject / mind, relation / action / awareness, object / phenomena --' is pointed by concepts like:
– the inconceivable Union of the Two Truths about apparent opposites like 'the three spheres -- ex. subject / mind, relation / action / awareness, object / phenomena --' [U2T-3S],
– the inconceivable Union of the three spheres about apparent opposites like 'the three spheres -- ex. subject / mind, relation / action / awareness, object / phenomena --' [U3S / U2T-3S-3S],
– the inconceivable Union of opposites about apparent opposites like 'the three spheres -- ex. subject / mind, relation / action / awareness, object / phenomena --' [Non-duality / Oneness / Uopp / U2T-opp-3S],
– the inconceivable Middle Way about apparent opposites like 'the three spheres -- ex. subject / mind, relation / action / awareness, object / phenomena --',
– the tetralemma about apparent opposites like 'the three spheres -- ex. subject / mind, relation / action / awareness, object / phenomena --',
– freedom from all extremes & middle, freedom from all dualistic conceptual proliferations, freedom from all limits, freedom from all conditioning / karma,
– the Ground / Basis / Source / Suchness / Dharmata / Dharmadhatu / Buddha-nature / Genuine-emptiness / Ati / Dzogchen / Mahamudra /
– Enlightened-mind / Intrinsic-awareness / Primordial-empty-awareness.
--
[TETRALEMMA:] Apparent opposites like 'the three spheres -- ex. subject / mind, relation / action / awareness, object / phenomena --' are
-- not inherently existent, not completely non-existent, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth;
-- not different / separate / multiple / dual, not identical / united / one / non-dual, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth;
-- not permanent / continuous / eternal, not impermanent / discontinuous / annihilated, and there is no fifth;
-- not purely objective / physical / body, not purely subjective / mental / mind, not purely relational / process / conceptual / speech, not two or three of them together, not none of them, and there is no other possibility;
-- not dependent / caused / produced / functional, not independent / uncaused/spontaneous / unproduced / non-functional, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth;
-- not composite / contextual / conditioned, not non-composite / non-contextual / unconditioned, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth;
-- not merely labelled / imputed / conceptualised by the mind, not not-merely labelled / imputed / conceptualised by the mind, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth;
-- not self-caused, not other-caused, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth;
-- not changing / evolving, not completely non-changing / evolving, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth;
-- not empty, not non-empty, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth;
-- not conventional / relative / false, not absolute / universal / true, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth;
-- not dependently co-arisen / interdependent / mere-interdependence [T1], not empty of inherent existence / mere-emptiness [T2], not both together [2T], not neither [1T], and there is no fifth;
-- not unequal / impure / imperfect / ordinary / incomplete / bad, not equal / pure / perfect / divine / complete / good, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth;
-- not unreal / identical to illusions / dreams / mirage / magic tricks, not real / different from illusions / dreams / mirage / magic tricks, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth;
-- not describable / conceivable / meaningful, not indescribable / inconceivable / meaningless, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth;
-- not this, not non-this, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth -- for whatever ‘this’ could be -- (this could be generalised for groups of more than two apparent opposites; ex. the three spheres, the three kayas, the three gems, the three times, the four cardinal directions, the five …, the six ...).
-
Meaning their true nature (Ground / Suchness / U2T) is indescribable / inconceivable (in absolute terms) for our flawed conditioned dualistic conceptual mind(s), beyond all extremes & middle, beyond all dualistic conceptual proliferations, beyond all limits, beyond all conditioning / karma; beyond all description / conceptualisation, discrimination / differentiation, causality / production, matter-energy, space & time.
So there is no independent / universal / absolute / inherently existing basis for any discrimination / differentiation in absolute terms, just conventionally / relatively / inter-subjectively.
And there is nothing to accept / affirm / seek / add / do in absolute terms, nothing to reject / negate / abandon / eliminate / subtract / not-do in absolute terms, just conventionally / relatively / inter-subjectively if it helps someone get closer to the inconceivable liberating Truth: the Union of the Two Truths about all dharmas [U2T], the Union of the three spheres [U3S / U2T-3S], the Union of apparent opposites [Uopp / U2T-opp], the Middle Way in everything, the tetralemma, the primordial spontaneity / equality / purity / perfection / divinity / completeness of all dharmas.
In that sense everything is primordially spontaneous, equal, pure, perfect, divine, complete. Everything is like the pristine display of the Ground / Suchness / Union of the Two Truths [U2T].
It may look complicated but all of this can be resumed into one thing: The Union of the Two Truths about all dharmas. Everything else, all these words, is just to help us to stay away from all possible extremes & middle, and create enough room for a possible inconceivable spontaneous individual non-dualistic non-conceptual direct perception / realisation / experience of the true nature of Reality as it is here & now: U2T.
-
[MIDDLE WAY:]
So the best attitude toward all dharmas is the Middle Way free from all extremes & middle:
nothing to accept / affirm / seek / add / do / cause / produce / change / improve / cultivate / perceive / know / experience / acquire / possess / purify / liberate / achieve ... in absolute terms,
nothing to reject / negate / abandon / eliminate / subtract / not-do / not-cause / not-produce / not-change / not-improve or deteriorate / not-cultivate / not-perceive / not-know / not-experience / not-acquire / not-possess / not-purify or stain / not-liberate or enslave / not-achieve ... in absolute terms,
just conventionally / relatively / inter-subjectively if it helps someone to get closer to the inconceivable liberating Truth: the Union of the Two Truths [U2T].
-
Extremes like:
i) existence / realism / causality / dependent origination / karma / relative-truth-only [T1],
ii) non-existence / nihilism / mere-nothingness / mere-emptiness / ultimate-truth-only [T2],
iii) both existence & non-existence together / a form of dualism / the two truths together, in opposition / duality of the two truths [2T],
iv) neither existence nor non-existence / a form of monism / neither of the two truths / oneness of the two truths [1T];
or extremes like
v) subject-only / mind-only / idealism / subjectivism,
vi) object-only / naïve realism / objectivism,
vii) relation-only / process-only / action-only / relationism / processism,
viii) two or three of them together / pluralism,
ix) none to them / monism.
-
For the latest version of this box see:
Madhyamaka Machine - Blog Post #158
https://www.gilehtblog.com/2021/11/madhyamaka-machine.html)
.
[04. If we put apparent opposites like ‘the two truths -- dependent origination / relative functionality and emptiness of inherent existence --’ into the Madhyamaka Machine we get: the Union of the Two Truths about the two truths themselves [U2T-2T].]
(i.e. Version 2021-12-30 - Union of apparent opposites like ‘the two truths’ -- dependent origination & relative functionality and emptiness of inherent existence -- [U2T-2T]:
The true nature & dynamic of apparent opposites like ‘the two truths’ -- dependent origination / relative functionality and emptiness of inherent existence -- is indescribable / inconceivable for our flawed conditioned dualistic conceptual mind(s) based on two erroneous basic assumptions -- inherent existence and opposition / duality --;
it has to be spontaneously personally non-conceptually non-dualistically directly perceived / realised / experienced / abided in.
--
[U2T-2T: APPARENT OPPOSITES LIKE ‘THE TWO TRUTHS’ -- DEPENDENT ORIGINATION / RELATIVE FUNCTIONALITY AND EMPTINESS OF INHERENT EXISTENCE -- ARE EQUAL PURE PERFECT INSEPARABLE MANIFESTATIONS OF THE GROUND:]
Apparent opposites like ‘the two truths’ -- dependent origination / relative functionality and emptiness of inherent existence -- are spontaneous natural non-dual manifestations of the Ground, inseparable from the Ground: this inconceivable unique all-pervasive unborn unchanging unconditioned unceasing pristine Ground / Basis / Source / Suchness / Dharmata / Dharmadhatu / Buddha-nature / Genuine-emptiness / Ati / Dzogchen / Mahamudra / Intrinsic-awareness / Primordial-empty-awareness / Awakened-mind / Naturally-coemergent-timeless-awareness / Union of the Two Truths [U2T] … the inconceivable unique true nature & dynamic of all dharmas beyond all extremes & middle, beyond all dualistic conceptual proliferations, beyond all limits, beyond all conditioning / karma; beyond all views, methods and goals; beyond all desciption / conceptualisation, discrimination / dualities, causality / production, matter-energy, space & time; beyond both samsara & nirvana.
--
[U2T-2T: UNION OF THE TWO TRUTHS ABOUT APPARENT OPPOSITES LIKE ‘THE TWO TRUTHS’ -- DEPENDENT ORIGINATION / RELATIVE FUNCTIONALITY AND EMPTINESS OF INHERENT EXISTENCE --:]
[Uopp] Apparent opposites are not really in opposition, but more like inseparable (one cannot exists without the other(s)), interdependent (one implies the other(s)), co-defined (the definition of one defines the other(s)), co-relative, co-dependent, co-emergent (they arise together), co-evolving (they change together), co-ceasing / co-transcended (they cease together), in harmony (not in real opposition) (in the non-dual sense of those terms: ex. not this, not non-this, not both together, not neither).
The true nature & dynamic of apparent opposites like ‘the two truths’ -- dependent origination / relative functionality and emptiness of inherent existence --
is like an ineffable / inconceivable Union of being conventionally dependently co-arisen (interdependent) relatively functional ever-changing impermanent appearances [T1 - first truth], co-dependent with their parts (when applicable), with their causes & conditions (when applicable), their conceptual opposite(s) (always), and especially co-dependent with the mind merely labelling / imputing / conceptualising / classifying them [U3S] in dependence of its past / conditioning / karma, not completely non-dependently-arising / non-existent / non-changing / non-functional / non-ceasing / useless / meaningless
<==> and being empty of inherent existence [T2 - second truth], never fixed / independent / separate / universal / absolute, but more like open / free, not really dependently-co-arisen / co-existent / co-changing / co-functional / co-ceasing.
One aspect / truth implies the other (<==>) [U2T], one aspect / truth proves the other (<==>).
’They are there but not there’, like dreams / magical illusions / tricks of the sight / mirages / reflections / echos / Cities of Gandharvas / emanated apparitions. They are 'like them in some aspect(s)' but not exactly the same; all metaphors have their limits.
Apparent opposites like ‘the two truths’ -- dependent origination / relative functionality and emptiness of inherent existence -- are dependently co-appearing & relatively functional <==> but still empty of inherent existence; empty of inherent existence <==> but still conventionally dependently co-appearing & relatively functional. And that is not grasping at the conventional / relative, or at the ultimate / emptiness, or both together, or neither.
[TETRALEMMA:] Apparent opposites like ‘the two truths’ -- dependent origination / relative functionality and emptiness of inherent existence -- are not inherently existent (still empty of inherent existence) <==> but still not completely non-existent (still conventionally dependently co-arisen relatively functional ever-changing impermanent appearances), not both existent & non-existent together, not neither existent nor non-existent, and there is no fifth. This is another way to express the inconceivable Union of the Two Truths [U2T].
[BEYOND:] Meaning their true nature is indescribable / inconceivable, beyond all extremes & middle, beyond all dualistic conceptual proliferations, beyond all limits, beyond all conditioning / karma (physical, conceptual, mental) x (individual, collective, cosmic).
-
[U2T-2T:] Theses two aspects / truths -- dependent co-origination & functionality [T1] and emptiness of inherent existence [T2] --, like any group of apparent opposites, are inseparable (one cannot exists without the other), interdependent (one implies the other), co-defined (the definition of one defines the other), co-relative, co-dependent, co-emergent (they arise together), co-evolving (they change together), co-ceasing / co-transcended (they cease together), in harmony (not in real opposition) (in the non-dual sense of those terms: not this, not non-this, not both together, not neither) [T1-2T] <==> thus themselves empty of inherent existence [T2-2T].
The two truths are not different / separate / multiple / dual, not identical / united / one / non-dual, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth. So the two truths -- dependent origination / relative functionality and emptiness of inherent existence -- are not really arising [T1] or not, not really empty of inherent existence [T2] or not, not really both together [2T], not really neither [1T], and there is no fifth.
Apparent opposites like ‘the two truths’ themselves and their Union are mere pointers to the inconceivable, mere tools, mere imperfect temporary adapted skillful means. So there is nothing left here to grasp as independent / universal / absolute / inherently existing. Everything is like luminous space, a limitless & centerless ocean of interdependence and emptiness.
-
[The three inseparable qualities of the Ground:] The emptiness of inherent existence [T2] is called the essence of the Ground; the conventionally dependently co-arisen relatively functional ever-changing impermanent appearances [T1] is called the nature of the Ground; the inseparability / interdependence / harmony / Union between those two aspects [U2T] is called the dynamic-energy / compassionate-energy of the Ground.
This primordial unborn unchanging unceasing ‘dynamic-energy’, or inseparability of the two aspects / truths, is the creative potential that accounts for everything in both samsara & nirvana.
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[With/without wisdom:] When directly seen as they really are [U2T], appearances (apparent opposites like ‘the two truths’ -- dependent origination / relative functionality and emptiness of inherent existence --) are said to be pure like the three inseparable pure kayas; this is nirvana. But when seen with ignorance of their true nature & dynamic [U2T], appearances are said to be impure, dependent on karma, and causing more karma; this is the limitless karmic cycle. But, ultimately, Reality is beyond all dualities like: pure & impure, wisdom & ignorance, samsara & nirvana.
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[Best Approximation / Pointers to their inconceivable true nature & dynamic:]
The true nature & dynamic of apparent opposites like ‘the two truths’ -- dependent origination / relative functionality and emptiness of inherent existence -- is pointed by concepts like:
– the inconceivable Union of the Two Truths about apparent opposites like ‘the two truths’ -- dependent origination / relative functionality and emptiness of inherent existence -- [U2T-2T],
– the inconceivable Union of the three spheres about apparent opposites like ‘the two truths’ -- dependent origination / relative functionality and emptiness of inherent existence -- [U3S / U2T-3S-2T],
– the inconceivable Union of opposites about apparent opposites like ‘the two truths’ -- dependent origination / relative functionality and emptiness of inherent existence -- [Non-duality / Oneness / Uopp / U2T-opp-2T],
– the inconceivable Middle Way about apparent opposites like ‘the two truths’ -- dependent origination / relative functionality and emptiness of inherent existence --,
– the tetralemma about apparent opposites like ‘the two truths’ -- dependent origination / relative functionality and emptiness of inherent existence --,
– freedom from all extremes & middle, freedom from all dualistic conceptual proliferations, freedom from all limits, freedom from all conditioning / karma,
– the Ground / Basis / Source / Suchness / Dharmata / Dharmadhatu / Buddha-nature / Genuine-emptiness / Ati / Dzogchen / Mahamudra /
– Enlightened-mind / Intrinsic-awareness / Primordial-empty-awareness.
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[TETRALEMMA:] Apparent opposites like ‘the two truths’ -- dependent origination / relative functionality and emptiness of inherent existence -- are
-- not inherently existent, not completely non-existent, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth;
-- not different / separate / multiple / dual, not identical / united / one / non-dual, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth;
-- not permanent / continuous / eternal, not impermanent / discontinuous / annihilated, and there is no fifth;
-- not purely objective / physical / body, not purely subjective / mental / mind, not purely relational / process / conceptual / speech, not two or three of them together, not none of them, and there is no other possibility;
-- not dependent / caused / produced / functional, not independent / uncaused/spontaneous / unproduced / non-functional, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth;
-- not composite / contextual / conditioned, not non-composite / non-contextual / unconditioned, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth;
-- not merely labelled / imputed / conceptualised by the mind, not not-merely labelled / imputed / conceptualised by the mind, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth;
-- not self-caused, not other-caused, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth;
-- not changing / evolving, not completely non-changing / evolving, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth;
-- not empty, not non-empty, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth;
-- not conventional / relative / false, not absolute / universal / true, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth;
-- not dependently co-arisen / interdependent / mere-interdependence [T1], not empty of inherent existence / mere-emptiness [T2], not both together [2T], not neither [1T], and there is no fifth;
-- not unequal / impure / imperfect / ordinary / incomplete / bad, not equal / pure / perfect / divine / complete / good, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth;
-- not unreal / identical to illusions / dreams / mirage / magic tricks, not real / different from illusions / dreams / mirage / magic tricks, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth;
-- not describable / conceivable / meaningful, not indescribable / inconceivable / meaningless, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth;
-- not this, not non-this, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth -- for whatever ‘this’ could be -- (this could be generalised for groups of more than two apparent opposites; ex. the three spheres, the three kayas, the three gems, the three times, the four cardinal directions, the five …, the six ...).
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Meaning their true nature (Ground / Suchness / U2T) is indescribable / inconceivable (in absolute terms) for our flawed conditioned dualistic conceptual mind(s), beyond all extremes & middle, beyond all dualistic conceptual proliferations, beyond all limits, beyond all conditioning / karma; beyond all description / conceptualisation, discrimination / differentiation, causality / production, matter-energy, space & time.
So there is no independent / universal / absolute / inherently existing basis for any discrimination / differentiation in absolute terms, just conventionally / relatively / inter-subjectively.
And there is nothing to accept / affirm / seek / add / do in absolute terms, nothing to reject / negate / abandon / eliminate / subtract / not-do in absolute terms, just conventionally / relatively / inter-subjectively if it helps someone get closer to the inconceivable liberating Truth: the Union of the Two Truths about all dharmas [U2T], the Union of the three spheres [U3S / U2T-3S], the Union of apparent opposites [Uopp / U2T-opp], the Middle Way in everything, the tetralemma, the primordial spontaneity / equality / purity / perfection / divinity / completeness of all dharmas.
In that sense everything is primordially spontaneous, equal, pure, perfect, divine, complete. Everything is like the pristine display of the Ground / Suchness / Union of the Two Truths [U2T].
It may look complicated but all of this can be resumed into one thing: The Union of the Two Truths about all dharmas. Everything else, all these words, is just to help us to stay away from all possible extremes & middle, and create enough room for a possible inconceivable spontaneous individual non-dualistic non-conceptual direct perception / realisation / experience of the true nature of Reality as it is here & now: U2T.
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[MIDDLE WAY:]
So the best attitude toward all dharmas is the Middle Way free from all extremes & middle:
nothing to accept / affirm / seek / add / do / cause / produce / change / improve / cultivate / perceive / know / experience / acquire / possess / purify / liberate / achieve ... in absolute terms,
nothing to reject / negate / abandon / eliminate / subtract / not-do / not-cause / not-produce / not-change / not-improve or deteriorate / not-cultivate / not-perceive / not-know / not-experience / not-acquire / not-possess / not-purify or stain / not-liberate or enslave / not-achieve ... in absolute terms,
just conventionally / relatively / inter-subjectively if it helps someone to get closer to the inconceivable liberating Truth: the Union of the Two Truths [U2T].
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Extremes like:
i) existence / realism / causality / dependent origination / karma / relative-truth-only [T1],
ii) non-existence / nihilism / mere-nothingness / mere-emptiness / ultimate-truth-only [T2],
iii) both existence & non-existence together / a form of dualism / the two truths together, in opposition / duality of the two truths [2T],
iv) neither existence nor non-existence / a form of monism / neither of the two truths / oneness of the two truths [1T];
or extremes like
v) subject-only / mind-only / idealism / subjectivism,
vi) object-only / naïve realism / objectivism,
vii) relation-only / process-only / action-only / relationism / processism,
viii) two or three of them together / pluralism,
ix) none to them / monism.
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For the latest version of this box see:
Madhyamaka Machine - Blog Post #158
https://www.gilehtblog.com/2021/11/madhyamaka-machine.html)
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