On the instantaneous enlightenment through recognition of the nature of the mind

Today's Dharma Quote from Snow Lion Publications . . . .

THE BUDDHA FROM DOLPO
A Study of the Life and Thought
of the Tibetan Master
Dolpopa Sherab Gyaltsen
by Cyrus Stearns
a Tsadra Foundation Series book
more...

Dharma Quote of the Week

The Tibetan controversies about instantaneous enlightenment through recognition of the nature of the mind have been studied by David Jackson. As he shows, it is mainly members of the Kagyu traditions in Tibet who have maintained this doctrine, although it is certainly common in Chinese Ch'an Buddhism and in the teachings of the Great Perfection in Tibet. Dolpopa quotes the position that is the object of his refutation: "Recognizing the very essence naturally purifies them, without rejection." This expresses the view that through recognition of the essence of the thoughts as the dharmakaya they are purified or dissolved into the dharmakaya, and also the idea that any affliction that arises is actually a manifestation or self-presencing of primordial awareness itself. Thus there is no need to reject thoughts or afflictions, which are naturally purified by means of the recognition. This type of viewpoint is widespread in Tibetan Buddhism.

In contrast to these views, Dolpopa claims that the definition of an ordinary sentient being or a buddha, and of samsara or nirvana, is determined by the presence or absence of the incidental and temporary obscurations that veil the true nature of reality. It is not determined solely by recognition of the nature of the mind or the thoughts.

...While the ground buddhahood of the dharmakaya and the resultant buddhahood of the dharmakaya have not the slightest difference in essence, they are distinguished as ground and result by means of the presence or absence of incidental stains.

--from The Buddha from Dolpo: A Study of the Life and Thought of the Tibetan Master Dolpopa Sherab Gyaltsen by Cyrus Stearns; a Tsadra Foundation Series book, published by Snow Lion Publications

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Tags: Buddhism, Tibet, Enlightenment, The Buddha from Dolpo, Study, Life and Thought, Tibetan Master, Dolpopa Sherab Gyaltsen, Cyrus Stearns, Tsadra Foundation Series, book, Snow Lion Publications, Kagyu, instantaneous enlightenment, recognition, nature of the mind, David Jackson, buddhahood