(The Wheel of Life / Karmic Cycle / 12 Links of Dependent Origination -- outer rim
https://www.rigpawiki.org/index.php?title=Wheel_of_Life ,
https://www.rigpawiki.org/index.php?title=Twelve_links_of_dependent_origination )
The true nature & dynamic of ‘dependent origination / 12 Links of Dependent Origination / Karmic cycle’: U2T - 142
[FIRST TRANSLATION: ]
[Nagarjuna’s Pratityasamudpada Hrdayakarika:]
Obeisance to Manjushree [wisdom], the Youthful One.
1.
The twelve discrete constituents of Interdependent Origination (Pratītyasamutpāda)
which were taught by the sage
are wholly collected in three: afflictions, actions and miseries.
2.
The first eighth and ninth are afflictions [klesha],
the second and tenth are actions [karma]
while the remaining seven are miseries,
Thus the twelve elements [nidana] are collected in three.
3.
From the three two Originates,
from the two originates seven and
from these seven in turn, originate the three;
thus the Wheel of Existence (Bhavacakra) revolves again and again.
(i.e. The karmic cycle, samsara, is limitless: no beginning, no ending.)
4.
The entire world [samsara] is cause and effect [T1],
excluding these three there is no sentient being [T2].
From elements which are void in nature only empty elements originate [U2T].
(i.e. 1st truth - cyclic dependent co-origination & relative functionality - Pratītyasamutpāda)
(i.e. 2nd truth - emptiness of inherent existence of all elements - Śūnyatā)
(i.e. This karmic cycle is composed of limitless empty-causes empty-causing empty-effects.
Empty-subject empty-conditioned-by & empty-appropriating empty-5-aggregates / empty-karma.
Everything in those 12 Links of Dependent Origination is Union of the Two Truths [U2T].)
5.
Through the similes of oral instruction,
a lamp, a mirror, a seal, a sun crystal, a seed, sourness and sound/echo
the wise should understand the non-transmigration,
as well as the re-emergence of the aggregates (skandha).
(i.e. No continuity / eternity / permanence of anything between links, between one moment to the next, between rebirths.)
(i.e. No discontinuity / annihilation / impermanence of anything between links, between one moment to the next, between rebirths.)
(i.e. Nothing exists and changes (movement), or remains the same (stillness), or both together, or neither. MMK-C2)
6.
One who conceives even very subtle elements as non-existence
(i.e. Falling for the extreme of non-existence / nihilism / mere-emptiness about dependent origination / causality / karma.)
fails to see an object which is dependently produced.
(i.e. The true meaning of the two truths -- dependent origination / causality / karma [T1] & emptiness of inherent existence [T2] --
is very subtle; it is free from all extremes & middle, free from all dualistic conceptual proliferations, free from all limitations. Ex:
It is not inherent existence, not complete non-existence, not both together, not neither.
It is not dependence / causality, not independence / acausality, not both together, not neither.
It is not emptiness, not non-emptiness, not both together, not neither.
It is not mere-dependent-origination / causality [T1], it is not mere-emptiness [T2], it is not both together [2T], it is not neither [1T].
It is the inconceivable inseparability, interdependence, co-definition, co-relativity, co-dependence,
co-emergence, co-evolution, co-cessation / co-transcendence, harmony, non-duality
(in the non-dual sense of those terms using the tetralemma: not this, not non-this, not both together, not neither),
Union of the Two Truths [U2T]. And this is just a finger pointing at the moon, not the moon itself.)
7.
So there is nothing denied or affirmed [absolutely].
(i.e. This is the Middle Way / Madhyamaka: nothing to accept / affirm / seek / add / do in absolute terms,
nothing to reject / negate / abandon / eliminate / subtract / not-do in absolute terms,
just relatively / conventionally / inter-subjectively
if it helps someone to get closer to the inconceivable liberating Truth: the inconceivable Union of the Two Truths [U2T].)
See reality as it is for one who sees reality is released [from bondage of afflictions].
(i.e. Liberation: freedom from all extremes & middle, freedom from all dualistic conceptual proliferations,
freedom from all limits, freedom from all conditioning / karma -- is gained through
directly realising the true nature & dynamic of this karmic cycle, of Reality as it is here & now,
of the inseparable three spheres, of apparent opposites: the inconceivable Union of the Two Truths.)
Copie: http://buddhism.lib.ntu.edu.tw/FULLTEXT/JR-BH/bh117486.htm
(Karma: This flow of interdependence, and of impermanent objects and beings, is operating on an infinite number of levels,
like a fractal that operates in the three worlds simultaneously (their distinction is only another artificial discrimination from the mind).
But usually it is resumed with four levels: outer, inner, secret and suchness mandalas -- related to body, speech, mind, and inseparability of the three.
Karma is about a self-conditioning loop based on ignorance; it works on all levels of organization simultaneously.
And the only way to transcend it, is by directly perceiving the true nature & dynamic of this conditioning cycle / karmic cycle.
Karma and its consequences are acting across all levels simultaneously.
The division into particular levels (ex. individual lines of karma) is purely arbitrary.
Everything is interdependent without any limitations <==> thus empty of inherent existence [U2T];
but in each case we usually limit the causes & conditions to the most immediate,
and limit the effects to the principal one in the short term,
thus creating the illusion of linear causality, control and individual mindstreams & karma.)
[SECOND TRANSLATION WITH COMMENTS: ]
Verses on the Heart of Dependent Origination
by Ārya Nāgārjuna
In the language of India: pratītyasamutpāda hṛdaya kārikā
In the language of Tibet: rten cing 'brel par 'byung ba'i snying po tshig le'ur byas pa
.
From: Lotsawa House
https://www.lotsawahouse.org/indian-masters/nagarjuna/heart-dependent-origination
Homage to Mañjuśrī, the Youthful! (i.e. He symbolises the embodiment of prajñā - transcendent wisdom)
1. [A useful imperfect model for our self-conditioning, suffering based on ignorance, and possible liberation:]
These different links, twelve in number,
Which Buddha taught as dependent origination [T1],
Can be summarized in three categories:
Mental afflictions, karma and suffering.
(i.e. The 12 Links of Dependent Origination / Wheel of Life / Wheel of Karma / Karmic Cycle.)
2.
The first, eighth and ninth [links] are afflictions,
The second and tenth [links] are karma,
The remaining seven [links] are suffering.
Thus the twelve links are grouped in three.
(i.e. Of the twelve constituents the first is ignorance, the eighth craving and the ninth grasping. These three are to be known as afflictions.
The second mental formations [samskara] and the tenth becoming these two elements fall in the category of actions / karma.
With the exception of five elements falling under the categories of actions and afflictions the remaining seven elements fall in the category of Miseries. Thus consciousness, Name and form, Six sense Spheres, contact, feeling, birth, old age and death.)
--
(From SN12.2 - Paticca-samuppada-vibhanga Sutta: Analysis of Dependent Co-arising :
"And what is dependent co-arising?
[1-2] From ignorance as a requisite condition come fabrications.
[2-3] From fabrications as a requisite condition comes consciousness.
[3-4] From consciousness as a requisite condition comes name-&-form.
[4-5] From name-&-form as a requisite condition come the six sense media.
[5-6] From the six sense media as a requisite condition comes contact.
[6-7] From contact as a requisite condition comes feeling.
[7-8] From feeling as a requisite condition comes craving.
[8-9] From craving as a requisite condition comes clinging/sustenance.
[9-10] From clinging/sustenance as a requisite condition comes becoming.
[10-11] From becoming as a requisite condition comes birth.
[12-12] From birth as a requisite condition, then aging & death, sorrow, lamentation, pain, distress, & despair come into play.
Such is the origination of this entire mass of stress & suffering. …)
3. [Limitless samsara:]
From the three the two originate,
And from the two the seven come,
From seven the three come once again—
Thus the wheel of existence turns and turns.
(i.e. This Wheel of Life, Karmic Cycle, samsara, is limitless. It has no beginning / first cause (no cause without its own causes & conditions), and no ending / final effect (no effect without its own effects), and no middle: no inherently existing / independent / universal / absolute causes, causality / causal relations, or effects. So it is not about stopping / rejecting it, negating it, abandoning it, destroying it, escaping it, but it is about understanding and then directly realising the true nature & dynamic of this karmic cycle as it is here & now. That is enough to become free from it, not slave to it, not fooled by it.
So it is very important to understand the subtle meaning of the 12 Links of Dependent Origination, of the Wheel of Life, of the Karmic Cycle, and thus not fall into one extreme or another. ex. not grasping at the Laws of Karma, not rejecting them completely; not grasping at the appearances & functionalities of samsara, not rejecting them completely; not grasping at thoughts / concepts / dualities / views / laws / methods / goals, not rejecting them completely.)
4. [Union of the Two Truths about everything in the 12 Links of Dependent Origination / Karmic Cycle:]
All beings consist of cause and effect [T1 - 1st truth: cyclic dependent co-origination & relative functionality],
In which there is no inherently existing] ‘sentient being’ at all [T2 - 2nd truth: emptiness of inherent existence].
--
From phenomena (causes) which are exclusively empty,
(i.e. All causes have their own causes & conditions (are dependently co-arisen) <==> thus are empty of inherent existence, and vice versa. Appearing but empty, empty but still appearing.)
--
There arise only empty phenomena (effects).
(i.e. All effects have their own causes & conditions (are dependently co-arisen) <==> thus are empty of inherent existence, and vice versa. Appearing but empty, empty but still appearing.
U3S-causality / U2T-3S-causality : Union of the Two Truths about the three spheres of causality: subject / cause, relation / action / causality, object / effect. They are all empty of inherent existence because dependently co-arisen / interdependent; and vice versa. Appearing but still empty, empty but still dependently appearing & relatively functional.
This karmic cycle is composed of limitless empty-causes empty-causing empty-effects.)
--
All things are devoid of any (inherently existing) ‘I’ or ‘mine’.
(i.e. All ‘I / self / subject’ and ‘mine / 5-aggregates / object’ have their own causes & conditions (are dependently co-arisen) <==> thus are empty of inherent existence, and vice versa. Appearing but empty, empty but still appearing.
U3S-ownership / U2T-3S-ownership : Union of the Two Truths about the three spheres of ownership / acquisition: subject / owner / acquirer / ‘I’, relation / action / ownership / acquisition, object / possession / acquired / 5-aggregates / ‘mine’. They are all empty of inherent existence because dependently co-arisen / interdependent; and vice versa. Appearing but still empty, empty but still dependently appearing & relatively functional.
This karmic cycle is composed of limitless empty-subject empty-conditioned-by & empty-appropriating empty-5-aggregates / empty-karma. There is no continuity /eternity / permanence of an ‘I / self / subject’ or of any of the ‘5-aggregates / object’; nor complete discontinuity / annihilation / impermanence.)
(i.e. Everything in this Wheel of Life is empty of inherent existence [T2], like illusions,
but still conventionally dependently co-arisen and relatively functional ever-changing impermanent appearances [T1], merely labelled / imputed by the mind in dependence of its conditioning / karma;
-
Everything is conventionally dependently co-arisen and relatively functional ever-changing impermanent appearances [T1], merely labelled / imputed by the mind in dependence of its conditioning / karma
but still empty of inherent existence [T2], like illusions.
-
One aspect / truth implies the other (<==>) [U2T].
This is the Union of the Two Truths [U2T] about everything in this Wheel of Life / Wheel of Karma.
In this Wheel of Life, each link is the cause of the next step, and the effect of the preceding step. And there is no beginning or ending to this karmic cycle. It is limitless, cyclic. Also, an effect has an infinity of causes & conditions in nature, space & time; even if we usually concentrate just on one or few of them. A cause has an infinity of effects in nature, space & time; even if we usually concentrate on just one or few of them. Everything is interdependent; and there are no limitations to this -- no limitations in terms of body, speech & mind, no limitations in terms of individuality, collectivity, universality --. It is like an infinite sea of conditionality with nothing inherently existing in it.
T1 - first truth: In this Wheel of Life, all links, all causes, causal relations, and effects are conventionally dependently co-arisen / interdependent relatively functional ever-changing impermanent appearances [T1] -- physical, conceptual, mental fabrications --, merely labelled / imputed by the mind in dependence of its conditioning / karma, not completely non-existent. This is the first aspect / truth.
T2 - second truth: In this Wheel of Life, all links, all causes, causal relations, and effects are empty of inherent existence [T2], never independent / universal / 100% sure / absolute, like illusions, not really existent. This is the second aspect / truth.
U2T - Union of the Two Truths: In this Wheel of Life, these two aspects / truths -- dependent origination & relative functionality and emptiness of inherent existence -- are inseparable, interdependent, co-defined, co-relative, co-dependent, co-emergent, co-evolving, co-ceasing / co-transcended, in harmony, non-dual, in Union. One aspect / truth cannot exist with/without the other. One aspect / truth implies the other (<==>).
[Tetralemma:] In this Wheel of Life, all links, all causes, causal relations, and effects 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 both together, not neither;
not this, not non-this, not both together, not neither; etc.
Meaning their true nature is indescribable / inconceivable, beyond all extremes & middle, beyond all dualistic conceptual proliferations, beyond all limits, beyond all conditioning / karma. It has to be directly perceived / realised / experienced. Meanwhile we need to be careful to not fall into one extreme or another about it.
U2T-2T: Those two aspects / truths -- dependent origination / causality / karma & emptiness of inherent existence -- are
inseparable, interdependent, co-defined, co-relative, co-dependent, co-emergent, co-evolving, co-ceasing, in harmony, non-dual [T1], merely labelled / imputed by the mind in dependence of its conditioning / karma <==> thus themselves both empty of inherent existence [T2], like illusions. They are both just tools / adapted skillful means, not independent / universal / absolute / inherently existing truths / rules. This is the Union of the Two Truths about the Two Truths themselves.
[Tetralemma:] Those two truths and their relation/Union 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 both together, not neither;
not this, not non-this, not both together, not neither; etc.
Meaning their true nature is indescribable / inconceivable, beyond all extremes & middle, beyond all dualistic conceptual proliferations, beyond all limits, beyond all conditioning / karma. It has to be directly perceived / realised / experienced. Meanwhile we need to be careful to not fall into one extreme or another about it.
So, there is no real / independent / universal / absolute / inherently-existing ‘dependent origination / 12 Links of Dependent Origination / karmic cycle / karma [T1]’, no real ‘emptiness [T2]’, no real ‘Union of the Two Truths [U2T]’ in the sense that these are all mere conventional / relative truths that are ultimately empty of inherent existence. There are mere tools, adapted skillful means, pointers to the inconceivable. And that doesn’t mean that they are completely non-existent / non-functional / useless / meaningless either. It doesn’t mean that things arise without any causes & conditions, or that things are not empty of inherent existence. This karmic cycle is composed of limitless empty-causes empty-causing empty-effects. Like for everything else, the true nature & dynamic of ‘dependent-origination’, ‘emptiness’ and ‘their Union’ is the inconceivable Union of the Two Truths about them: their interdependence <==> and emptiness of inherent existence [U2T-2T].
Things, like those 12 links, apparently go through three stages of becoming -- 1) dependent origination / beginning / birth / coming, 2) duration / middle / life / lasting & changing, 3) cessation / ending / death / going --; but that is just like an illusion. Since everything is empty of inherent existence because dependently co-arisen, then there are no real three stages of becoming: no real dependent origination, no real existence & change, no real cessation of any of those 12 Links. And that doesn’t mean that they are completely non-existent / non-functional / useless / meaningless.
In each of the 12 Links of Dependent Origination, the the three stages of becoming are
inseparable, interdependent, co-defined, co-relative, co-dependent, co-emergent, co-evolving, co-ceasing, in harmony, non-dual -- i.e. conventionally dependently co-arisen relatively functional ever-changing impermanent appearances -- [T1], merely labelled / imputed by the mind in dependence of its conditioning / karma <==> thus empty of inherent existence [T2], like illusions.
[Tetralemma:] In each of the 12 Links of Dependent Origination, the three stages of becoming 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 both together, not neither;
not this, not non-this, not both together, not neither; etc.
Meaning their true nature is indescribable / inconceivable, beyond all extremes & middle, beyond all dualistic conceptual proliferations, beyond all limits, beyond all conditioning / karma. It has to be directly perceived / realised / experienced. Meanwhile we need to be careful to not fall into one extreme or another about it.
------------------
U3S-causality (cause & effect): In each of the 12 Links of Dependent Origination, the three spheres of causality / production -- subject / cause / producer / ‘I’, relation / action / causality / production, object / effect / product / 5-aggregates / ‘mine’-- are
inseparable, interdependent, co-defined, co-relative, co-dependent, co-emergent, co-evolving, co-ceasing, in harmony, non-dual -- i.e. conventionally dependently co-arisen relatively functional ever-changing impermanent appearances -- [T1], merely labelled / imputed by the mind in dependence of its conditioning / karma <==> thus empty of inherent existence [T2], like illusions.
[Tetralemma:] In each of the 12 Links of Dependent Origination, the three spheres of causality / production 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 both together, not neither;
not this, not non-this, not both together, not neither; etc.
Meaning their true nature is indescribable / inconceivable, beyond all extremes & middle, beyond all dualistic conceptual proliferations, beyond all limits, beyond all conditioning / karma. It has to be directly perceived / realised / experienced. Meanwhile we need to be careful to not fall into one extreme or another about it.
This karmic cycle is composed of limitless empty-causes empty-causing empty-effects.
U3S-ownership (‘I’ & ‘mine’): In each of the 12 Links of Dependent Origination, the three spheres of action / ownership / acquisition -- subject / actor / owner / acquirer / ‘I’, relation / action / ownership / acquisition, object / result / possession / acquired / 5-aggregates / ‘mine’ / karma -- are
inseparable, interdependent, co-defined, co-relative, co-dependent, co-emergent, co-evolving, co-ceasing, in harmony, non-dual [T1], merely labelled / imputed by the mind in dependence of its conditioning / karma <==> thus empty of inherent existence [T2], like illusions.
[Tetralemma:] In each of the 12 Links of Dependent Origination, the three spheres of action / ownership / acquisition 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 both together, not neither;
not this, not non-this, not both together, not neither; etc.
Meaning their true nature is indescribable / inconceivable, beyond all extremes & middle, beyond all dualistic conceptual proliferations, beyond all limits, beyond all conditioning / karma. It has to be directly perceived / realised / experienced. Meanwhile we need to be careful to not fall into one extreme or another about it.
This karmic cycle is composed of limitless empty-subject empty-conditioned-by & empty-appropriating empty-5-aggregates / empty-karma.
And, from one link to the next link, from cause to effect, from one moment to the next moment of consciousness, from one rebirth to the next one, from samsara to nirvana ...
THE THREE SPHERES --
1) subject / actor / owner / perceiver / knower / producer / acquirer / ‘self’ / ‘I’,
2) relation / action / ownership / perception / cognition / production / acquisition, and
3) object / result / possession / perceived / known / product / acquired / ‘5-aggregates’ / ‘mine’ / karma --
ARE NOT THE SAME (not continuous / eternal / permanent),
NOT DIFFERENT (not discontinuous / annihilated / impermanent), not both together, not neither.
SO THERE IS NO REAL CONTINUITY OR COMPLETE DISCONTINUITY of any ‘self / I’ or ‘5-aggregates’ / ‘mine’ / karma / subtle body speech & mind ... in the three times: before, during & after the action.)
Meaning the true nature & dynamic of dependent origination / causality / karmic cycle / the 12 links of dependent origination ... is indescribable / inconceivable, beyond all extremes & middle, beyond all dualistic conceptual proliferations, beyond all limits, beyond all conditioning / karma. It has to be directly perceived / realised / experienced.
5. [No real continuity, no complete discontinuity between two consecutive links:]
Like a recitation, a candle, a mirror, a seal,
A magnifying glass, a seed, sourness, or a sound,
So also with the continuation of the [five] aggregates [T1] -- (no discontinuity)
The wise should know they are not transferred [T2] (no continuity).
(i.e. So there is no real continuity and no complete discontinuity of anything from one link to the next link: There is nothing -- ex. subject / actor / owner / acquirer / mind / ‘self’ / ‘I’, or object / result / possession / acquired / 5-aggregates / ‘mine’ / karma -- continuing from one link to the next link, from cause to effect, from one moment to the next moment of consciousness, from one rebirth to the next one, from samsara to nirvana.
And there is no complete discontinuity either.
(i.e. Nothing exists and changes (movement), or remains the same (stillness), or both together, or neither. MMK-C2)
------------------
That is the meaning of the 12 Links of Dependent Origination / Wheel of Karma and of Genuine-emptiness: 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.
------------------
Karma / the karmic cycle is empty of inherent existence [T2] <==> but still conventionally dependently co-arisen relatively functional ever-changing impermanent appearances [T1], and vice versa.
Karma / the karmic cycle 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 both together, not neither;
not this, not non-this, not both together, not neither; etc.
Meaning its true nature is indescribable / inconceivable, beyond all extremes & middle, beyond all dualistic conceptual proliferations, beyond all limits, beyond all conditioning / karma. It has to be directly perceived / realised / experienced. Meanwhile we need to be careful to not fall into one extreme or another about it.)
6. [No real causality / dependent origination / karma, no complete absence of causality / karma:]
Then, as for extremely subtle entities (what is transfered?),
Those who regard them with nihilism,
Lacking precise and thorough knowledge,
Will not see the actuality of conditioned arising [T1].
(i.e. It is very important to realise that the Union of the Two Truths [U2T] about everything in those 12 Links of Dependent Origination -- ex. the three spheres for each steps -- doesn’t mean that everything is completely non-existence / non-functional / useless / meaningless (nihilism), and that we have to reject / negate / abandon / eliminate / subtract everything about them.
Even if things are not inherently existing doesn’t mean that everything is completely non-existent.
Even if nothing is continuing from one step to the next, from the cause to the effect, from one moment to the next, from one rebirth to the next, from samsara to nirvana … it doesn’t prove that there is complete discontinuity / annihilation / no karma at all, no liberation at all, that everything is spontaneously / acausally arisen and chaotic.
The Law of excluded middle does not apply in Madhyamaka Logic;
the tetralemma logic applies here:
ex. things are not existent, not non-existent, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth;
ex. things are not different / separate / multiple / dual, not identical / united / one / non-dual, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth;
ex. things are not continuous / eternal / permanent, not discontinuous / annihilated / impermanent, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth;
ex. things are not dependent / causal, not independent / acausal, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth;
ex. things are not empty, not non-empty, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth;
ex. things are not dependently co-arisen, not empty of inherent existence, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth;
ex. things are not this, not non-this, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth.
The tetralemma is a tool to help us to let go of all extremes & middle, of all conceptual proliferations, of all limitations, and create the proper conditions for a possible personal spontaneous non-conceptual non-dualistic direct perception / realisation / experience of the inconceivable true nature of Reality as it is here & now.
The true meaning of the Union of the Two Truths (or of karma), of the Union of cyclic dependent co-origination & relative functionality <==> and emptiness of inherent existence, is indescribable / inconceivable for our flawed conditioned dualistic conceptual mind(s). Ultimately it has to be personally spontaneously non-conceptually non-dualistically directly perceived / realised / experienced in meditation (Union of shamatha <==> and vipashyana). We use the concept of the Union of the Two Truths as a pointer to the inconceivable. One should not grasp at the finger pointing at the moon; it is not the moon.
Meanwhile, the best attitude to adopt is the Middle Way in everything -- even about karma --: nothing to accept / affirm / seek / hope-for / add / do / perceive / know in absolute terms, nothing to reject / negate / abandon / fear / eliminate / subtract / not-do / not-perceive / not-know 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 about all dharmas [U2T]. This is the Middle Way free from all extremes & middle about any duality / triad / quad / etc., free from all dualistic conceptual proliferations, free from all limits, free from all conditioning / karma.)
(Once the two obscurations are cleansed through the two accumulations -- merit & wisdom -- united,
then the two inseparable kayas -- dharmakaya & rupakaya -- manifest.)
7. [It is not about accepting this and/or rejecting/stopping that, but about directly realising the true nature & dynamic of the karmic cycle: the Union of the Two Truths [U2T] about all dharmas, the Union of the three spheres [U3S], the Union of opposites [Uopp], the Middle Way:]
In this, there is not a thing to be removed (rejected),
Nor the slightest thing to be added (accepted). (i.e. The Middle Way: it is not about accepting this and/or rejecting that.)
It is looking perfectly into reality itself, (i.e. It is about directly realising the true nature & dynamic of Reality as it is here & now, of the three spheres, of our body speech & mind, of our 5-aggregates, of samsara, of the karmic cycle.)
And when reality is seen, complete liberation.
(i.e. Understanding and then directly realising the true nature & dynamic of the karmic cycle / samsara, the true nature & dynamic of Reality as it is here & now -- as pointed by concepts like: the Union of the Two Truths about all dharmas [U2T], the Union of the three spheres for any types of relations / actions [U3S], the Union of opposites for any duality / triad / quads / etc. [Uopp], the Middle Way in everything -- is the liberating factor. This direct wisdom is what purifies our body speech & mind, and transmutes them into the inseparable pure boddy speech & mind of a Buddha, the inseparable three kayas. It is this direct wisdom that transmutes samsara into nirvana here & now. No need to reject the conventional appearance & functionalities of samsara.)
This concludes the verses on ‘The Heart of Dependent Origination’ composed by the teacher Ārya Nāgārjuna.
-
(i.e. In short, emptiness [T2] doesn't deny conventional truths [T1], dependently co-arisen appearances & relative functionalities, the 12 links of dependent origination, the Wheel of Life, the functionality of Karma.
In fact, one aspect / truth implies the other, supports the other, is necessary for the other.
Karma is the inseparability / interdependence / co-dependence / co-emergence / co-evolution / co-cessation / co-transcendence / harmony / non-duality / Union of the three spheres [U3S]: subject / mind, relation / action, object / phenomena / apparent world. One sphere is conditioned by the other two, and is conditioning the other two … in cycle. Even though the three spheres are empty of inherent existence, they are still conventionally dependently co-arisen / interdependent relatively functional ever-changing impermanent appearances. If we are ignorant of this, then it is samsara, and we are slaves to our fabrications. If we are fully aware of this, then it is nirvana, and we are free from our fabrications, free to use them without grasping them, without being fooled by them. In both cases the true nature of Reality is the same.)
Quotes
Madhyamaka logic is like this:
Because everything is 𝗱𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝗼-𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗻 & 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 [𝗧𝟭] (co-dependent with something else, ex, with its parts, with its causes & conditions, with its conceptual opposite(s), with its context, and
𝗰𝗼-𝗱𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗯𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 / 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 / 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 / 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 / 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 / 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗳𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘁 in dependence of its past / experiences / accumulated conditioning / karma [U3S])
<==> then everything is 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗶𝗻𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗲𝘅𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 [𝗧𝟮]; Note: those two first points make the Inseparability / Interdependence / Harmony / Non-duality / Union of the Two Truths [U2T];
<==> then there are 𝗻𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 -- dependent origination / beginning / birth / coming, duration / middle / life, cessation / ending / death / going -- for anything;
there are 𝗻𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀 - ex. before / past, during / present, after / future --;
there are 𝗻𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲 - ex. before / in-front / higher, at-the-same-place, after / in-the-back / bellow --;
there are 𝗻𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀 / 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 / 𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 - ex. superior, average, inferior; positive, neutral, negative; good, neutral, bad --;
<==> then there is 𝗻𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 / 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗶𝘁𝘆 / 𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗻𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 / 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗶𝘁𝘆 / 𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 of anything; nothing exist and change (movement), or remain the same (stillness), or both together, or neither;
<==> then 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗲𝘅𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁, 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, not both together, not neither and there is no fifth;
not unequal / impure / imperfect / ordinary, not equal / pure / perfect / divine, not both together, not neither and there is no fifth;
not dependent / causal, not independent / acausal, 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 dependently co-arisen [T1], not empty of inherent existence [T2], not both together [2T], not neither [1T] and there is no fifth;
not this, non-this, not both together, not neither and there is no fifth;
𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 / 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗹𝗮𝘄𝗲𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗱𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱(𝘀), 𝗯𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝘀 & 𝗺𝗶𝗱𝗱𝗹𝗲, 𝗯𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗱𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀, 𝗯𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘀, 𝗯𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 / 𝗸𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗮 (individual, collective, cosmic) (physical / body, conceptual / speech, mental / mind);
<==> then there is 𝗻𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 / 𝘀𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 / 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 / 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 / 𝗱𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 / 𝗱𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗻𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘆 / 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 / 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 / 𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 / 𝗻𝗼𝗻-𝗱𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 / 𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 / 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 either;
<==> then 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 / 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 / 𝗱𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 / 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 / 𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 in absolute terms;
<==> so 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁 / 𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗺 / 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝗸 / 𝗱𝗼 / 𝗮𝗱𝗱 in absolute terms, 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 / 𝗻𝗲𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗲 / 𝗮𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗻 / 𝗻𝗼𝘁-𝗱𝗼 / 𝘀𝘂𝗯𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁 in absolute terms, just conventionally / relatively / intersubjectively if it helps someone to get closer to the inconceivable liberating Truth: the Union of the Two Truths [U2T];
<==> so, we say that 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹, 𝗽𝘂𝗿𝗲, 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁, 𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗲, 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 & 𝗻𝗼𝘄. (in the non-dual sense of those terms using the tetralemma: not this, not non-this, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth).
Note: ‘Union’ or ‘<==>’ means one implies the other. It works both ways: ==> and <== . Proving one point is proving all the other points since they are inseparable, interdependent, co-defined, co-relative, co-dependent, co-emergent, co-evolving, co-ceasing, in harmony, non-dual, in Union ...
Adapted from: Madhyamaka logic is like this - 065
https://www.gilehtblog.com/2021/01/madhyamaka-logic-is-like-this.html
[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 ...).
-
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)
.
[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).
-
[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.
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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].
-
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.
-
[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.
--
[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.
--
[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 ...).
-
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)
==============
𝔼𝕞𝕡𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕖𝕤𝕤 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕝𝕒𝕨 𝕠𝕗 𝕔𝕒𝕦𝕤𝕖 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕖𝕗𝕗𝕖𝕔𝕥 ~ 𝔻𝕚𝕝𝕘𝕠 𝕂𝕙𝕪𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕤𝕖 ℝ𝕚𝕟𝕡𝕠𝕔𝕙𝕖
If you merely talk about the view of emptiness [T2] but at the same time behave inconsiderately, it is said that your conduct has become lost in the view. If you believe that, since everything is empty by nature [T2], it is all right to do whatever you want and it makes no difference whether your actions are virtuous or non-virtuous, then your conduct has become “lost in the view.” All the great teachers say just the opposite — that the more you understand the view of emptiness [T2], the more aware and careful you are regarding the law of cause and effect [T1].
(i.e. Inseparability / Interdependence / Harmony / Union of the Two Truths: dependent origination / causality / karma & emptiness of inherent existence.)
– Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
from the book "Pith Instructions: Selected Teachings and Poems"
Via Just Dharma Quotes
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ℂ𝕠𝕟𝕕𝕦𝕔𝕥 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝔼𝕞𝕡𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕖𝕤𝕤 ~ 𝔻𝕚𝕝𝕘𝕠 𝕂𝕙𝕪𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕤𝕖 ℝ𝕚𝕟𝕡𝕠𝕔𝕙𝕖
When your realization of emptiness [T2] becomes as vast as the sky, you will gain an even greater conviction about the law of cause and effect [T1], and you will see just how important your conduct really is. Relative truth [T1] functions inexorably within absolute truth [T2].
(i.e. Inseparability / Interdependence / Harmony / Union of the Two Truths: dependent origination / causality / karma & emptiness of inherent existence.)
-- Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
from the book The Heart of Compassion: The Thirty-seven Verses on the Practice of a Bodhisattva
Via: Just Dharma Quotes
==============
𝔼𝕟𝕘𝕒𝕘𝕖 𝕚𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕥𝕨𝕠 𝕒𝕔𝕔𝕦𝕞𝕦𝕝𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟𝕤 𝕚𝕟𝕕𝕚𝕧𝕚𝕤𝕚𝕓𝕝𝕪 ~ 𝕃𝕠𝕟𝕘𝕔𝕙𝕖𝕟𝕡𝕒
Dwelling in the state of emptiness [T2],
acting according to (the law of) cause and effect [T1];
Realizing non-action, keeping the three vows;
Without focus, exert yourself in benefitting beings through compassion.
‘To engage in the two accumulations indivisibly’ is my heart advice.
(i.e. Union of merit & wisdom;
a Path in accord with the View / Ground and the Result / Fruition:
Inseparability / Interdependence / Harmony / Union of the Two Truths: dependent origination / causality / karma & emptiness of inherent existence.)
-- Longchenpa
Thirty Pieces of Heart Advice
Via Just Dharma Quotes
==============
See also:
Everything is dependently arising - 147
https://www.gilehtblog.com/2021/11/everything-is-dependently-arising.htmlLiving an appearance-emptiness life - 135
https://www.gilehtblog.com/2021/10/living-appearance-emptiness-life.htmlIn Praise of Dependent Origination - Lama Tsongkhapa - 039
https://www.gilehtblog.com/2020/12/dependent-origination.htmlTeaching the Relative and Ultimate Truths - A Mahayana Sutra - 058
https://www.gilehtblog.com/2021/01/concise-summary-of-mahamudra.html
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