The Characteristics of Enlightenment
Enlightenment, a central concept in Buddhism, is often described as a profound transformation of consciousness. But what does it truly mean to be enlightened? Here, we explore some of the key characteristics of an enlightened Buddhist:
1. Great Compassion
This isn’t just ordinary kindness, but a deep, all-encompassing compassion that arises from the very core of one’s being. It’s marked by several qualities, including a profound depth, a gentle and yielding heart, a subtle and lingering feeling of loss, and an empty sense of sorrow. These sensations might sound vague, but a practitioner who has achieved enlightenment will instantly recognize this indescribable state of mind.
2. True Mind is Self-Defined
This refers to an experience of profound clarity, a vivid perception of reality that is far sharper than our everyday state. It’s a feeling of oneness with all things, as if everything is interconnected. Further exploration leads to the realization that “I” am one with the universe, and the universe is one with “me”. You may experience yourself as a stone, a tree, the words on a blackboard, a shadow, a sound – all while maintaining crystal clarity of mind and thought. This experience makes sense of the saying, “when Sheng Gong preached, even the stones nodded in agreement,” and one understands that mountains, rivers, and the earth are indeed an extension of one’s own body.
3. The True Mind is Active and Keen
The true mind is far more agile and perceptive than our ordinary state of mind. It recognizes past experiences, including joy and anger. However, it is unable to react with love or hatred towards them. This embodies the concept of “clearly distinguishing all phenomena without being moved by the ultimate truth,” a state known as the tolerance of the unarisen dharma. The true mind is not a state of foolishness or chaos; it is a state of clarity, wisdom, and understanding. It’s important to note that the Buddha, and all Bodhisattvas, are not fools.
4. The Absence of “Self”
While the true mind is capable of discerning all phenomena, it doesn’t hold onto the concept of “I”. The notion of “I” arises only when one deviates from the true mind and allows the heart to stir. This is the fundamental difference between Buddhism and other spiritual paths: the teaching of no-self.
5. The True Mind is Still
The true mind possesses no inherent inclination to stir. It’s only when we depart from the true mind that the heart begins to move. This is why the Sixth Patriarch Huineng said, “It’s not the wind that moves, nor the flag that moves, but the mind that moves.” This statement reveals his level of attainment. The stirring of the mind is pivotal to enlightenment. If you achieve enlightenment through meditation, external stimuli will disrupt the mind’s one-pointedness, causing the heart to stir before you perceive the true mind. If you reach enlightenment through contemplating the mind, you’ll first experience the true mind, then the heart will stir, leading to discriminating thoughts. These are the two ways one experiences the stirring of the mind through enlightenment.
6. The Vision of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas
After enlightenment, you will see the Buddha. If you are a Pure Land practitioner, you will also see Amitabha Buddha and Guanyin Bodhisattva. Amitabha Buddha will offer a subtle, unattached smile that immediately brings about deep concentration. This smile will be both expected and unexpected. Guanyin Bodhisattva will radiate light that will also instill a deep sense of meditative stability. Don’t worry about insufficient meditative power, for Shakyamuni Buddha and all Buddhas have already provided for that. These encounters will feel as natural as seeing your parents, leaving no room for doubt. Unlike some accounts of disciples asking, “Are you really Amitabha Buddha? If you are, touch my head,” this shows that these individuals are caught in their imagination and are already deluded. Therefore, Pure Land practitioners who follow the path of enlightenment can directly enter the Pure Land and meet Amitabha and Guanyin, rather than waiting until after death.
7. Undoubtable Enlightenment
An enlightened individual knows unequivocally that they have achieved enlightenment. Any degree of doubt indicates that enlightenment has not been attained.
8. Instant Understanding of Sutras and Koans
Following enlightenment, all sutras and koans become instantly comprehensible, even for someone who is illiterate.
9. A Unique State of Mind
Upon reaching enlightenment, one experiences a complex mix of feelings. There’s a sense of sudden awakening, yet an inability to laugh. There’s a feeling of loss, because the goal that was sought was already present within. There’s a conflicting desire to share the experience, but an awareness that it would be pointless, as everyone already possesses this potential. Sharing the experience would be seemingly meaningless, as you haven’t actually conveyed anything new. This often leads to a mix of laughter and tears, a truly difficult state to describe. Every enlightened individual will share this feeling, even the Buddha. Consider the Buddha’s state of mind when he first achieved enlightenment, as documented in the sutras. All authentic enlightenments mirror the Buddha’s experience. The absence of this experience indicates that more effort is required.
10. Unwavering Stability
Meditation practitioners often experience involuntary exits from their meditative states. They may see beautiful visions, which cause joy, but that joy immediately terminates the vision. This doesn’t occur within the true mind’s treasury. You can sit for as long as you wish, completely under your own control. You will encounter beautiful visions, but will not feel attached to them. You will experience an inexplicable sense of wonder, but it will not be like normal worldly happiness. This is the indestructible Diamond Samadhi.
11. True Understanding of Habits
With enlightenment, one truly understands what is meant by ‘habit’, and it is not what you thought before. Within the true mind, you will find yourself unable to feel anger or love. You will actually miss those states of mind and will want to return to them – this is a habit, and what is truly meant by a ‘habit’.
Ten Key Zen Sayings on Enlightenment
These Zen sayings encapsulate profound insights that can guide us on our spiritual journey. They offer glimpses into the nature of reality and how we can find freedom from suffering. Here are ten such sayings:
1. “All is Illusion”
This reminds us that all things in the world are like dreams and shadows, without a permanent, unchanging substance. We often cling to external things, fame, and emotions, ignoring their impermanent nature. When we realize that all is illusion, we can let go of our attachments and achieve inner peace.
2. “Unspeakable”
Some truths cannot be expressed through language but can only be experienced through intuition. We often rely on words and logic but forget the wisdom of intuition and inner feeling. When we learn silence and use the heart to feel truths beyond words, we open the door to inner wisdom.
3. “Form is Emptiness, Emptiness is Form”
Here, “Form” refers to the material world, and “Emptiness” to the nature of things. This saying tells us that the material world, though seemingly real, is a collection of causes and conditions without a fixed essence. Realizing this helps us transcend our attachment to the material and embrace a more liberated way of living.
4. “A Flower, a World; a Leaf, a Bodhi”
This expresses the unity of micro and macro – every small thing contains the mysteries of the universe. We often ignore the small things around us, unaware of the profound meanings. When we observe a flower or a leaf, we realize the truth of life and the secrets of the universe.
5. “Life is Like Walking Through Thorns”
If the heart is still, one will not move recklessly and will not be hurt. If the heart moves, one will move recklessly and hurt themselves, experiencing the pains of the world. Our suffering stems from inner agitation and attachment. When we keep our hearts calm and undisturbed by external temptation, we avoid pain. Controlling the heart allows us to control our lives.
6. “Five Hundred Lifetimes of Looking Back”
This reminds us to cherish every encounter and destiny. We often ignore those around us, who might be the product of our past lives. When we cherish every person and treat them with respect, we receive more love and warmth in return.
7. “Great Compassion, No Tears; Great Enlightenment, No Words; Great Joy, No Sound”
True sorrow cannot be expressed by tears, and true enlightenment cannot be transmitted by language. True joy doesn’t need a sound to be broadcast. When one transcends the trials of life, a profound emotion is experienced.
8. “The Sea of Suffering Has No Shore, Turning Back is the Shore”
We struggle in the sea of suffering, unaware that turning back is the shore. When we realize our mistakes and attachments, and turn back, we can escape the suffering and find happiness.
9. “Put Down the Butcher Knife, Become a Buddha on the Spot”
This teaches that no matter the mistakes made, genuine repentance and the letting go of negative thoughts lead to redemption and rebirth. Everyone has Buddha-nature. If we nurture it, we can be kind and compassionate.
10. “Bodhi is not a Tree; a Clear Mirror is not a Stand”
Originally there is nothing; where does the dust alight? This expresses a transcendent state of emptiness. When we realize the innate purity of our minds, with no worries or dust, we achieve liberation of the spirit. We need not pursue external things. By returning to our true selves, we can find true happiness.
These Zen sayings are like sparkling jewels, radiating wisdom. When lost or suffering, let us find peace, contemplate these teachings, draw strength, and allow them to guide us toward a brighter future. Let’s face life with gratitude, treasure each moment, and create a beautiful life with wisdom and love.
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