(Follow this link to see the December 2021 Priory Newsletter where this was originally published.)
(As I write this, I am sharply aware that what I say here will not do the subject justice. It is my hope that you will not take what I say as an attempt to be definitive on the subject but rather, it is an attempt to bring up a thing for consideration in the place of meditation. LK)
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 Path.
The Dharma is the truth that all natures are pure.
This is a tricky one. I mean, is he saying that anything goes? That bad acts are really good acts? That causing harm is somehow permissible? No, Continue reading →