Consciousness/The Buddha Nature

The most aproximate terms for Buddha nature from the Mahayana canon are Tathagatagarbha and Dharmadhatu.

 

Thus:

"Nagarjuna's words are to be understood as follows: If the element is present and one practices the sacred Dharma, thus purifying oneself from defilements, one will reveal this fruit on the support of this purification. If the element is not present, not the slightest fruit will be revealed, even though one practiced Dharma and purified oneself from defilements. This can be illustrated by means of an example: If ore bears gold and is processed, one will obtain gold. If ore is not gold-bearing, no gold will be revealed, no matter how long one processes this. The view expressed as Nagarjuna's words corresponds to these of this Uttara Tantra Shastra."

This Uttaratantrashastra is one of the first times tathagatagarbha is used, that is, buddha Nature.

 

Thanks. Cool quote.

 

Thathagathagarbha is a compound of thathagata and garbha (womb). Thathagata is itself a compound that can be split in two ways (tatha+agata = that which has come from there) (tathaa + gata = that which has gone there/ that which has gained that).

In the first case it refers to the the world of forms - that which has orginitated from there (the buddha nature, indescribable reality) - and the womb of that world of forms is the Buddha nature or absolute reality.

The second meaning of tathagata indicates the enlightened one, who has attained the Tao, the oneness with the womb of all things, the mother of all Buddhas.

 

I thought our Buddha nature was just our ablity to achive enlightenment and do good.

Everything is imperiment and lacks self. However the enlightened one has a Karmaic way of being "periment".

 

Yes Art Delfo. It is that simple. It is awareness, life realising that it is awareness, the ultimate good, so it manifests as goodness.

It is so simple and wonderful, pure beauty and compassion. It is the consciouness of love unconditional. It is all embracing.

Peace and love
Jnanic

 

Meditation in Vedanta Meditation in Vedanta is not just a relaxation technique but a profound practice of self-inquiry. It aims at stilling the mind to such an extent that the meditator realizes their true nature. For More Details, visit - Vedanta Philosophy: Guide to Self-Discovery and Spiritual Wisdom