False Existence and True Non-existence

The Illusion of Form

Consider everything that meets your eyes: the people you know, the objects you possess, and the physical world—wishing to be as free as the wind, mountains & rivers. None of these things remain the same forever. Because they are subject to constant change, we call them false existence. They appear to be real, yet they are essentially empty. They come into being only because our thoughts give them shape. When we realise our true self-nature and act without selfishness, we can share everything in harmony. Because we have let go of the "self", we become one with all beings. Whether they are sentient beings or inanimate objects, we are united as one. When the other person has a thought, we know it instantly. We understand what they are thinking, what they wish to say, what they desire to eat, what they need to use, and what they require. Because we are in this state of oneness, we can provide exactly what is needed.

The Power of True Non-existence

Because I have no self, because I have truly let go of the "self", my heart is empty of all obstructions. Therefore, I do not need to think, yet I know everything. Everything is so natural, without the slightest effort or force. Even this concept of an "I" does not exist. We only speak of an "I" and the other to explain the relationship between us. In reality, the self has already vanished, which is precisely why we can understand the thoughts, needs, desires, and intentions of others. This state is the true appearance of our true self and the state of an awakened being. It is the reality of the Truth and the supreme treasure that every spirit possesses. It is one with the Buddha-heart: priceless, selfless, without a self, and without delusions. This state of non-existence is eternal and unchanging; it is what we call true non-existence.

The Burden of Delusions

Because people are filled with delusions, discriminations, and attachment, they grasp tightly onto various forms of existence. In doing so, they cover up their Buddha nature within you and the reality of the Truth. They layer these concepts of non-existence—selflessness, no-self, and the absence of delusions—with thick veils. They are so covered that they can barely breathe, yet they do not know that they must let go. Eventually, they are completely submerged by these false existences, buried deep within the waves of confusion and the cycle of reincarnated業海. It becomes difficult to even find a trace of their original nature. The names we carry represent the self in this human world and all our false existences, including:

• Our family, parents, spouses, and childrenOur academic qualifications and professional achievementsOur houses, property, and material wealthOur social status, position, and powerOur emotions and feelingsOur physical appearance, body, and health

The Transience of the World

Everyone mistakenly believes that these things are real. In truth, these existences are all subject to impermanence, constant change, and duality. Where there is happiness, there is suffering; where there is liking, there is disliking. If you have health, you may fall ill; if you have wealth, you may fall into poverty. Especially when it comes to emotion, it is difficult to let go. When impermanence arrives, the pain of separation is inevitable. Where there is existence, there is suffering, and there will always be ups and downs, joy and anger, sorrow and happiness, and the pain of parting. In the past, you may have walked with the speed of the wind, but now every step is difficult. You may have once been full of vitality, but now you are frail and elderly. You may have been agile, but now your movements are slow and clumsy. You may have been handsome or beautiful, but now you have aged and withered. Everything you once possessed is gone; it has become a non-entity. Therefore, we say that what existed in the past was merely a false existence, not the truth.

Awakening to the True Self

If we are to speak of what is true, then that which is constant and unchanging is the truth. Our true self is eternal; it does not change or disappear, regardless of whether we are in the six realms of existence or in other worlds. Our true self has no self and no form; it is empty, yet it knows everything. At a single glance, we understand; at a single sound, we comprehend; at a single taste, we know. Even without a self, we possess everything. This is the state of permanence, joy, self, and pure. It is a state of freedom, coolness, happiness, pure, and non-contention. This state of true non-existence is what we call the true self, and it is the state of an awakened being. Now, between false existence and true non-existence, which one will you choose?

This message was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.