Buddhism says that sentient beings have lost their true nature (Buddha-nature), which is neither born nor dies. How so? What does this mean?

Buddhism says that sentient beings have lost their unborn and undying true nature (Buddha-nature). What does this mean?

The Buddhist saying that "sentient beings have lost their true nature" does not mean that the mind has truly disappeared, but rather that it is obscured by defilements and afflictions (delusion and attachment), causing us to "lose" our way of being. This phenomenon is called "ignorance of a single thought" in Buddhism.

Why was it "lost"?

We can understand this state through the following three core concepts and classic metaphors:

1. Obscuring the Light with Delusion and Attachment

Classic metaphor: Dark clouds and the sun.

Core Principle: The "true nature" is like the sun, always shining. But our delusions such as greed, anger, ignorance, pride, and doubt are like thick clouds, blocking the light. Although we cannot see the sun, it has not disappeared.

2. Mistaking a Thief for One's Father (Mistaking Delusion for Reality)

Classic Analogy: Yanruo Daduo mistaking his reflection for his own head.

Core Principle: The *Surangama Sutra* recounts the story of Yajñāna-datta, who, upon looking in the mirror one morning, saw his own head with clearly defined features, and suddenly went mad, believing his original head was missing, and frantically searched for it. Sentient beings are similar, mistakenly taking their body, emotions, and thoughts as the "real self," forgetting the "awakened nature" that can see, hear, and is neither born nor dies.

3. The Mani Jewel Falling into the Mud

Classic Metaphor: A Pearl Hidden in Clothes

Core Principle: The Lotus Sutra uses the metaphor of a poor man who, unaware that his friend had sewn a priceless jewel into his clothes, continues to beg. All sentient beings inherently possess the wisdom and merit of Buddhahood, but because they are unaware of it, they suffer in the cycle of rebirth in the six realms.

Characteristics of "True Nature (Buddha-nature)"

Although we feel it is "lost," it possesses the following characteristics in Buddhist doctrine:

It neither increases in sainthood nor decreases in the mundane: It does not increase when one attains Buddhahood; nor does it decrease when one becomes a sentient being or falls into lower realms.

Neither born nor dying: It transcends time and space, has no birth, and will not die.

It remains unstained even when defiled: Like gold falling into a cesspool, its essence remains gold; after washing, its luster is restored.

How to "find" it?

Since "Buddha-nature" has not been truly lost, the core of Buddhist practice is "cessation is enlightenment":

Abandoning delusion: Letting go of attachment to external fame and gain and internal thoughts.

Using the illusory to cultivate the true: Utilizing this illusory body and world to experience the unborn and undying self-nature.

Pointing directly to the heart: As Zen Buddhism says, when the deluded mind ceases, that perceptive and clear mind is your true nature.

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What did the merciful Sadhguru say?

https://youtube.com/@sadhguru?si=5t1nvE3xlbCVimK1

The teachings of Guanyin Bodhisattva to those who are "exhausted by internal strife and mental strain".Video time position: 2 minutes and 15 seconds.

https://youtu.be/fJgls6vEk9E?si=TyEOU4iBEE4p92pH

Guanyin Bodhisattva answered the question about "mental illness or ghost interference".

https://youtu.be/vnRugkHZfco?si=DPj0QLB0ZOFzYzHI

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