Part 17-4
Subhuti, in reality there is no state in which the Realised One attained unexcelled complete perfect enlightenment. Subhuti, if there were a state in which the Realised One attained unexcelled complete perfect enlightenment, then Dipankara Buddha would not have given me the prediction, ‘In a future age you will be a Buddha named Shakyamuni.’
Because there was in reality no state in which I attained unexcelled complete perfect enlightenment, therefore Dipankara Buddha gave me the prediction, saying, ‘In a future age you will be a Buddha named Shakyamuni.’
Commentary:
If the Realised One had thought that he attained enlightenment, Dipankara Buddha would not have approved of the Realised One’s enlightenment, because it means that the Realised One, not escaping from being deluded by illusions, was attached to the illusion of enlightenment.
Those who are free from all forms through enlightenment have no form of ‘I’ as well as no form of enlightenment. When there are no ‘I’ and no enlightenment, who can attain what?
Student: “Why is it conventional wisdom that the Buddha attained the unexcelled complete perfect enlightenment?”
Master: “Because you misunderstand it.”
©Boo Ahm
All writing ©Boo Ahm. All images ©Simon Hathaway
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