We continued DCB25 with lesson 29 using “…Bodhisattvas rely on prajna-paramita, and thus their minds have no hindrance. Because there is no hindrance, they have no fear“ from the Heart Sutra. The following are some of the questions addressed during this ZOOM session:
What is meant by “nothing to attain”?
“At this stage, afflictions, birth, death, and enlightenment are also realized as being empty. They naturally become empty. Since the mind is free of differentiation and attachment, afflictions, birth, death, and also enlightenment naturally no longer exist. Consequently, hindrances are also realized as being empty. Empty means nonexistent. This emptiness means not existing. Nonexistent means there are no hindrances. Being nonexistent, there of course are no hindrances. There are no hindrances means all hindrances are nonexistent. Being unhindered means all hindrances have been realized as being totally empty. One abides in the true emptiness that is the nature of phenomena. Furthermore, one should not even be attached to the principle of emptiness attained from abiding in the true emptiness that is the nature of phenomena. One should be naturally unattached to the principle of emptiness, for it is fundamentally nonexistent. If one thinks there is a principle that has been realized, then this again is a hindrance. This is what is meant by ‘nothing to attain.’ “
What is meant by “hindrance of the known”?
“I have personally and clearly seen that in the course of learning Buddha Dharma, everyone has this hindrance of the known. This is especially true with respect to some people who do not understand the profound truths of Buddha Dharma and only know about practicing the Hinayana. This type of situation is caused by the hindrance of the known formed earlier that obstructs them. Once they understand this fact and are able to immediately discard the hindrance of the known, that is a most amazing occurrence, a praiseworthy and joyous occurrence that is a fundamental cause in their quest to become a holy person. Furthermore, the effects that arise from this praiseworthy and joyous occurrence will bring them boundless light. Hence, you disciples should not underestimate this hindrance of the known. Once you understand this principle, you know that no knowledge can be evaluated based on your old fixed mindset. You should, in an unattached way and in accordance with the illumination of prajna wisdom, penetratingly see all forms of knowledge and observe whether they belong to the truths of the perfect middle way.”
What is the source of “hindrance of the known”?
“The hindrance of the known arises based on attachment to phenomena. Hindrances are formed from the two attachments, attachment to self and attachment to phenomena. Since attachment to self and attachment to phenomena give rise to hindrances, the mind has hindrances. With hindrances in the mind, one will cycle through birth and death in samsara, forever experiencing all kinds of afflictions and sufferings. Having hindrances, one naturally remains in the cycle of birth and death, undergoing all kinds of afflictions and sufferings.”
What does “fear” mean in the phrase “Because there is no hindrance, they have no fear”?
“In this passage of the Heart Sutra, the word “fear” refers to all of the afflictions and sufferings of cyclic existence that hinder the six sense bases and mental state of an ordinary being. It refers to views one is attached to that cause one to dwell in impermanence over such a long time during which one continually emerges and submerges, without ever reaching liberation. This includes attachment to holy Dharma states and the obstruction of bliss and joy.”
What does the phrase , “Be able to take it up, and be able to put it down” mean?
“While in a state of prajna, one should realize that wonderful states are illusory. When propagating the Dharma, such states should be known as marvelous existence. Thus, there is the saying, “Be able to take it up, and be able to put it down.” When taking it up, marvelous existence benefits living beings. One can communicate with Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, experiencing bliss from being with Buddhas and holy ones. When one puts it down, one abides in the true-thusness of prajna, for nothing has been attained. Above, there are no Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. Below, there are no living beings in the six realms.”
The Buddha Master further discussed different aspects of the term “fear”and who has it as well as the obstruction of bliss and joy. The fears of Bohisattvas was also discussed, but this part of the text will be repeated next week.
Be sure and enroll in DCB25-Expounding the Absolute Truth through the Heart Sutra: Part TWO-III, if you want to join our long term study of the Heart Sutra or the broader study of C41(A)-the Three Principle Stages & Paths of Buddhist Practice. There is an expanded article on C41(A) that explains its scope and content, which was discussed before starting DCB24 last Saturday. CLICK for video of that discussion and revised maps of this roadmap to C41(A). DCB24 is one of the Learning from Buddha College & Seminary (LFBCS) courses that are included in C41(A). There is also another article that discusses G03(A) and G03 Evolution of Buddhism, two additional courses that are also part of C41(A).
CLICK for a list of available classes in each of the programs: Auditing, Buddhist Studies, and Xiuxing Seminary. Those with membership in the Xiuxing Seminary Program who are only interested in serious practice and not opening a Dharma Center may also elect to follow the Xiuxing Practice Program and take a seven or thirty-day Solitary Retreat.
Next:
The next class in DCB25 will continue with our discussion of Lesson 29- Because there is no hindrance, they have no fear.” of LFBCS Course DCB25 at our April 19, 2025 ZOOM session at 9:00 am.
If you have enrolled in C41(A) or DCB25 or DCB24 or DCB23 or DCB22 or DCB21 or DCB26, you may continue to use the same ZOOM link to attend the Saturday morning discussions. However, you will need to enroll in the appropriate course to be able to watch the video recordings of the classes, download study materials, or study the related questions.
TO DATE: DCB25-Expounding the Absolute Truth through the Heart Sutra: PART TWO–IV and C41-Three Principal Stages & Paths of Buddhist Practice.
The recordings of the April 12, 2025 DCB25-Lesson 29B class is now available. All of the recordings and summary of ZOOM discussions for DCB21, DCB22, DCB23. and DCB26-Expounding the Absolute Truth through the Heart Sutra are now available along with the questions for DCB25. You must be enrolled in each of these classes in one of the full membership programs at the LFBCS to access the course materials, questions covered (in parenthesis), and/or the class recordings. Please note that these links will only work if you are logged into LFBCS with your membership identification number AND are enrolled in this class.
“. . . Bodhisattvas rely on prajna-paramita, and thus their minds have no hindrance. Because there is no hindrance, they have no fear.“
CLICK for article on the entire text of Expounding the Absolute Truth through the Heart Sutra.
CLICK for article with instructions on how to enroll in LFBCS classes and how to register for the ZOOM discussions.
April 12, 2025: Lesson 29B-The Great Stage–Wisdom Path of the right view of emptiness, Expounding the Absolute Truth through the Text of the Heart Sutra–IV, “. . . Bodhisattvas rely on prajna-paramita, and thus their minds have no hindrance.” (13-19) and (HERE) for recording of the class.
April 5, 2025: Lesson 29A-The Great Stage–Wisdom Path of the right view of emptiness, Expounding the Absolute Truth through the Text of the Heart Sutra–IV, “. . . Bodhisattvas rely on prajna-paramita, and thus their minds have no hindrance.” (001-012) and (HERE) for recording of the class.
CLICK for article on the last class held on DCB24 and links to all 13 ZOOM class discussions on DCB24 held from January 4, 2025 to March 29, 2025,
January 4, 2025: Roadmap to C41(A)–Three Principal Stages & Paths of Buddhist Practice. Video of class discussion.
CLICK for article on the last class held on DCB23 and links to all 13 ZOOM class discussions on DCB23 held from August 24, 2024 to November 16, 2024,
CLICK for article on the last class held on DCB22 and links to videos of all 21 ZOOM class discussions on DCB22 held from February 10, 2024 to April 20, 2024 and from June 29, 2024 to August 3, 2024.
CLICK for article on the last class held on DCB21 and links to videos of all 18 ZOOM class discussions on DCB21 held from November 21, 2022 to April 1, 2023. Note: not all of the forwards, notes, and introductions are complete.
CLICK for article on last class held on DCB26 and links to videos of all 8 ZOOM class discussions held on DCB26 held from April 20, 2024 to June 22, 2024.
CLICK for Background information on Expounding the Absolute Truth through the Heart Sutra and why it is such an important text.
CLICK for information on S01-Supreme and Unsurpassable Mahamudra of Liberation (SAUMOL) Seminar.
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