..續本文上一頁has existed from beginningless time. Why is there ignorance
Answer: Ignorance appears suddenly from suchness; it is said in the Jewel Nature Treatise, like dark clouds appearing suddenly in empty space.
From the perspective of empty space, dark clouds are not long lasting; but from the angle of dark clouds, if we examine the prior causes of the component water particles, then they really can be traced to beginningless time. Because this time is extremely long, it can be called “beginningless”. But if compared to suchness, then it is only appearing once in a while.
Therefore, using the analogy of empty space and dark cloud allows us to understand the relationship between suchness and ignorance.
(11) Question: I am an Engineering Master student. I am interested in both philosophy and Buddhism, but I do not have much time to read about them. The Chan tradition says, “independence of words, direct pointing out”. To understand much of Buddhism relies on practising, not on words. But I barely have the time to read books, let alone to practise. Besides, it is unreliable to read books. In this case, what should I do
Answer: Independence of words is quite a high state of realization in the Chan tradition. As ordinary beings today, wishing to attain “independence of words” when we do not have the time to read books is undoubtedly fooling ourselves.
The correct order of realizing Buddhist ideas should be studying, contemplating, and cultivating the practice. That is to study the Buddhadharma first, then read books and contemplate, and finally carry out the practice. If you start practising without even the initial studying and contemplation, it would just be blind practice. You need to know that the state of realization of “independence of words” is extremely high. Before reaching this state, there needs to be a long period of studying. Therefore, I have always emphasized the importance of studying, contemplating, and cultivating the practice.
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