This kind of big attachment is like putting a head on your head
2025-03-26
Song of Enlightenment written by Great Master Yongjia Xuanjue
Commentary by Tripitaka Master Hsuan Hua
When we cultivate the Tao, if we don't know how to practice it, we will develop strong attachments. This kind of strong attachment is like putting a head on your head and riding a donkey to look for a donkey; there is no need for this. He is so confused and has no eye to discern the Dharma. So, he interpreted "abandoning the false mind" as: I don't want this false mind. This "renunciation" means to abandon it. I want to abandon my delusion, the delusional mind. In fact, your delusion is basically an illusion. Nothing exists at all. What else do you have to give up? As long as you don't have any delusions, it is enough. What else do you have to give up?
"Get the truth": The truth is not found outside; the truth is within your own nature. You have not subdued your delusional mind yet, you have not let it go yet, and you are still clinging to this delusional mind; once your delusional thoughts are gone, the truth will appear. "Obtain the truth." If you want to find the truth, you don't have to look for it outside. It is inherent in everyone and everyone has it. So, you don't have to take it, nor do you have to give it up. To give up means to give it up, and to take it back means to get it back: if you don't want it, you are attached to the Lakshana (appearance), and if you want to take it back, you are also attached to the Lakshana.
