Part 17-6
If anyone says that the Realised One has attained unexcelled complete perfect enlightenment, Subhuti, really there is no such thing as the Buddha attaining unexcelled complete perfect enlightenment. Subhuti, in the unexcelled complete perfect enlightenment attained by the Realised One, there is neither reality nor unreality.”
Commentary:
It is well known that that the Buddha attained the unexcelled complete perfect enlightenment. And it is one of the most attractive and tempting words that entices Buddhists to be attached to since attaining it is the reason why they are Buddhist.
In order to stop people from being deluded by the words ‘unexcelled complete perfect enlightenment’, he gives a little more detailed explanation about the enlightenment that people think the Buddha attained, by saying that there is neither reality nor unreality in it. This means that it is the state without illusions that doesn’t permit any word such as reality, or unreality.
In fact, his description of enlightenment is true of not just his enlightenment but also all other things. There is neither reality nor unreality in essence of everything.
Student: “What is the unexcelled complete perfect enlightenment attained by the Buddha?”
Master: “Although my eyes, ears and mouth are full of it, it can’t be spoken.”
©Boo Ahm
All writing ©Boo Ahm. All images ©Simon Hathaway
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