Part 14-10
‘Therefore, Subhuti, Bodhisattvas should aspire to attain enlightenment detached from all images.
Commentary:
As mentioned repeatedly, the core of the Buddha’s teaching is not to be deluded by words and images. However, the Buddha couldn’t help but use temporal words as an expedient means so that he might explain his teaching. It might appear ironic that he used words whilst dissuading his students from being deluded by words, but indeed, everything will turn out to be the true-Self when we are altogether detached from images. This is why we should not read, or listen to the Sutras and Dharma talks in the same way we read, or listen to worldly literature, or lectures. Then, we can see the true-Self in each word and each phrase.
This is why the Buddha himself said, “Not a word have I said” and ancient masters would say that trying to attain enlightenment by following words is as futile as trying to block winds with a net.
Student: “How can we aspire to attain enlightenment with the image of enlightenment?”
Master: “Enlightenment is the state free of images.”
©Boo Ahm
All writing ©Boo Ahm. All images ©Simon Hathaway
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