The Religion of the Samurai: A Study of Zen Philosophy and Discipline in China and JapanNukariya, Kaiten
Religion
The Religion of the Samurai: A Study of Zen Philosophy and Discipline in China and Japan
Nukariya, Kaiten
Buddhism -- China; Buddhism -- Japan; China -- Religion; Human beings -- Origin; Japan -- Religion; Zen Buddhism
EVEN if Reality is the origin of life, there must be in all
probability some causes for its coming into existence, as it cannot
suddenly assume the form of body by accident. In the preceding
chapters I have refuted the first four doctrines, merely because they
are imperfect, and in this chapter I shall reconcile the temporary
with the eternal doctrine. In short, I shall show that even
Confucianism is in the right.[FN#390] That is to say, from the
beginning there exists Reality (within all beings), which is one and
spiritual. It can never be created nor destroyed. It does not
increase nor decrease itself. It is subject to neither change nor
decay. Sentient beings, slumbering in (the night of) illusion from
time immemorial, are not conscious of its existence. As it is hidden
and veiled, it is named Tathagata-garbha.[FN#391] On this
Tathagata-garbha the mental phenomena that are subject to growth and
decay depend.
Real Spirit, as is stated (in the Acvaghosa's Çastra), that transcends
creation and destruction, is united with illusion, which is subject
to creation and destruction; and the one is not absolutely the same
as nor different from the other. This union (with illusion) has the
two sides of enlightenment and non -enlightenment,' and is called
Alaya-vijnyana. Because of non-enlightenment,[FN#392] it first
arouses itself, and forms some ideas. This activity of the Vijnyana
is named 'the state of Karma.[FN#393] Furthermore, since one does
not understand that these ideas are unreal from the beginning, they
transform themselves into the subject (within) and the object
(without), into the seer and the seen. One is at a loss how to
understand that these external objects are no more than the creation
of his own delusive mind, and believes them to be really existent.
This is called the erroneous belief in the existence of external
objects.[FN#394] In consequence of these erroneous beliefs, he
distinguishes Self and non-self, and at last forms the erroneous
belief of Atman. Since he is attached to the form of the Self, he
yearns after various objects agreeable to the sense for the sake of
the good of his Self. He is offended, (however), with various
disagreeable objects, and is afraid of the injuries and troubles
which they bring on him. (Thus) his foolish passions[FN#395] are
strengthened step by step.
[FN#389] A. 'The doctrines refuted above are reconciled with the
real doctrine in this chapter. They are all in the right in their
pointing to the true origin.'
[FN#390] A. 'The first section states the fifth doctrine that
reveals the Reality, and the statements in the following sections are
the same as the other doctrines, as shown in the notes.'
[FN#391] A. 'The following statement is similar to the fourth
doctrine explained above in the refutation of the phenomenal
existence subject to growth and decay.' Compare Çraddhotpada-castra.
[FN#392] A. 'The following statement is similar to the doctrine of
Dharma-laksana.'
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