(Follow this link to see the March 2022 Priory Newsletter where this was originally published.)
The fourth of the four practices, “Practicing the Dharma” is as follows (from the Red Pine translation):
Fourth, practicing the Dharma. The Dharma is the truth that all natures are pure. By this truth, all appearances are empty. Defilement and attachment, subject and object don’t exist. The sutras say, “The Dharma includes no being because it’s free from the impurity of being, and the Dharma includes no self because it’s free from the impurity of self.” Those wise enough to believe and understand these truths are bound to practice according to the Dharma. And since that which is real includes nothing worth begrudging, they give their body, life, and property in charity, without regret, without the vanity of giver, gift, or recipient, and without bias or attachment. And to eliminate impurity they teach others, but without becoming attached to form. Thus, through their own practice they’re able to help others and glorify the Way of Enlightenment. And as with charity, they also practice the other virtues. But while practicing the six virtues to eliminate delusion, they practice nothing at all. This is what’s meant by practicing the Dharma.
The Dharma is the truth that all natures are pure. In a note for this fourth practice, Red Pine says: “The Sanskrit word dharma comes from dhri meaning to hold, whether in a provisional or an ultimate sense. Hence the word can mean thing, teaching or reality.” This fourth practice corresponds with the fourth Continue reading →