09 Complete Enlightenment (Michell)

THE SUTRA OF COMPLETE ENLIGHTENMENT
Translated from the Chinese of Buddhatrata by Ven. Guo-go Bhikshu.

http://www.tranlich.com/phathoc/kinhviengiac.htm

Bodhisattva Cleansed of
All Karmic Obstructions

if the intrinsic nature of this
enlightened mind is pure,
what caused it to be defiled,
making sentient beings deluded,
perplexed, and unable to enter it?


Virtuous man, since beginningless
time all sentient beings have been
deludedly conceiving and clinging
to the existence of self, person,
sentient being, and life.

They take these four inverted
views as the essence of a real self,
thereby giving rise to dual
states of like and dislike.


Thus, based on one delusion,
they further cling to other delusions.
These two delusions
rely on each other, giving rise
to the illusory paths of karma.


Because of illusory karma, sentient beings
deludedly perceive the turning
flow of cyclic existence.

Those who detest the turning
flow of cyclic existence deludedly
perceive nirvana, and hence are
unable to enter the realm of
pure enlightenment.

It is not enlightenment that
thwarts their entering; rather,
it is the idea that
there is one who can enter.

Therefore, whether their
thoughts are agitated or
have ceased, they cannot
be other than confused
and perplexed.

Why is this? Because the original-arising
ignorance has been falsely perceived as ones
own master since beginningless time, therefore
all sentient beings are unable to give rise to the
wisdom-eye.


The nature of their bodies and minds is nothing
but ignorance. This ignorance which does not
eliminate itself may be illustrated by the
example of the man who does not take his own
life.


Therefore, you should know that people get
along with those who like them and resent those
who contradict them. Because like and dislike
nurture ignorance, sentient beings always fail in
their pursuit of the Path.

Category:

Education

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• Complete
• Enlightenment
• (Michell)