Teachings From Ancient Vietnamese Zen Masters – 60
24 Mind Teachings
Eternally dwelling in worlds, unborn and undying – that is called
Buddha. Understanding the mind teachings of Buddha, attaining
enlightenment along with interpreting scriptures – those are called
Patriarchs.
Buddha and Patriarchs are just one. Only the bookworm wrongly says
they have high and low levels. Moreover, Buddha is awareness. Quiet
since infinite time, dwelling eternally -- this awareness is. And all
sentient beings have it. Because their passion defilements cover this
awareness, all sentient beings follow the karma and fall into the cycle of
rebirth – then all the realms of samsara exist.
THONG BIEN (? – 1134)
(COMMENT: After meditating for a while, you should read many
Buddhist scriptures, go to many temples, talk to many different
sectarian teachers, and find a tradition you feel comfortable most. Then
you should formally take refuge in the Three Precious Ones -- Buddha,
Dharma, Sangha – and receive the precepts to make sure that we will
never fall into lower realms, and will always move forward on the way
to liberation.)
