Bodhisattva practices and observes according to Prajñā
2025-03-26
Master Hanshan "A brief explanation of the Heart Sutra in Chinese"
Lecture by Master Hanshan Deqing
However, the practice of Bodhisattvas is based on wisdom, and they teach and enlighten all living beings only in order to seek Buddhahood. The Buddha realm is like the void, with nothing to rely on. If one seeks it with a mind that seeks something, it is not the true one. Since there is no such thing in the true emptiness of Prajñā, the Buddhist scriptures say "there is no wisdom and no attainment". No attainment is the true attainment, and only then can it be considered the ultimate.
Because Buddhahood is achieved through "no attainment", Bodhisattva practices and observes according to Prajñā. However, all dharmas are originally empty and quiet. If we view them based on our emotions and thoughts, our minds will be entangled and unable to be liberated. We will be greedy and attached to everything, and all of these will be obstacles. If one observes according to the true wisdom of Prajñā, then all mental states will be empty, and everything one touches will be clear, and there will be liberation. Therefore, the Buddhist scriptures say, "Depending on this Prajñā, the mind is free from worries." Since the mind is free from worries, there is no fear of birth and death. Therefore, the Buddhist scriptures say, "There is no terror." Since there is no birth and death to fear, there is no Buddhahood to seek. Seeking Nirvana out of fear of birth and death are all just dreams and illusions.
Only those who can let go of the feelings of saints and ordinary people can attain Nirvana. If a Bodhisattva does not practice this, it is not true practice.
