..续本文上一页 expressed in different ways. May I know if there are any significant differences between these two from the philosophical and experiential level of understanding
Answer: “Form does not differ from emptiness” refers to the essential nature of form being emptiness. This point can be comprehended at the literal level using the Madhyamaka logical reasoning. For the pith instruction, someone that has already realized ultimate truth can directly point it out to you. For example, in Zen Buddhism, some gurus may either hit or knock their disciples to help them instantly become enlightened. For the Vajrayana, during an empowerment, by relying on a crystal as an object of guidance, it is also possible for you to realize the nature of mind. At that time, you can easily realize that, in reality, form never separates from emptiness.
Regarding “emptiness does not differ from form,” emptiness here doesn”t mean a place that has empty space due to no obstructions. Instead, it means that great emptiness is free from any conceptual constructions, which is the ultimate nature of things and events. This kind of emptiness is not independent of form. It is oneness with emptiness. They are not two independent realities. This state of mind can only be elucidated by the Great Madhyamaka, the secular person or Hinayana practitioner has never been able to get close to it. At present, when ascertaining emptiness, often, many people fall into mere emptiness, such as when there is nothing inside a bowl, we assert that this bowl is “empty.” However, if the ultimate nature of reality is mere emptiness, then it appears that even our dualistic mind can perceive it. Then, why did Buddha say that it is beyond the mind
Hence, “Form does not differ from emptiness, emptiness does not differ from form” refers to the nature of form and emptiness that is inpisible oneness. The subjective experience of the mind and external objects are the distorted views of our delusions. It is just like our dreams. Although there are various kinds of objects, such as mountains, rivers, lands, and various kinds of emotions and feelings, these are all only the display of illusions. Once you wake up, you will find that these various forms inside the dream are not different from emptiness. Similarly, whatever we experience now is no different than dreams. Through the dream analogy, if we understand the relationship between form and emptiness, we will then have the experiential understanding of the subtle and profound Madhyamaka view.
Question: Nowadays, science and technology are very well developed. Through cloning, life can be replicated. Through rat neurons, scientists created Gordon, a robot controlled by a “biological brain.” When this kind of life is created, how do we account for causes and effects and rebirth in the cycle of existence
Answer: Well, I”ll make sure that you settle the account. (Laughter)
In recent years, following the cloning of Dolly the sheep, biotechnology has made remarkable breakthroughs and advancements. Many people think that humans not only can make machines, but also can create life. Buddhism does not agree with this view. Why
Because for a life to come into being, it is indispensable to have a bardo from which to enter it. Lord Buddha said in the sutra that, in our surrounding environment, there are infinite numbers of bardos, filling empty space, water, and so on. At one time, when Venerable Aniruddha used his supernatural power to observe water, he found that there were many bardos inside the water. Hence, he did not dare to drink water any more. Later, Lord Buddha told him: “Bardos are everywhere. When deciding on what to adopt and what to discard regarding certain behavior, you should not use the supernatural power of an arahat to make the deci…
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