Teachings on Confusion and Awakening by Bodhisattva Ashvaghosha
A Discourse on the Nature of Awareness
Recorded on March 27, 2019
On March 27, 2019, we reflect upon the profound teachings regarding the nature of confusion. Confusion is the root of all afflictions that bind us to the cycle of rebirth. In the time of Shakyamuni Buddha, two of his disciples, Shariputra and Kotthita, engaged in a dialogue that cuts directly to the heart of this matter. Kotthita asked Shariputra, "What is meant by confusion?" Shariputra’s answer was direct and profound: "Not knowing is confusion."
The Veils of Not Knowing
Shariputra further explained this concept to clarify why we remain trapped in the cycle of rebirth. He stated that we suffer from confusion because we do not truly understand the nature of reality. Specifically, we fail to realise that our Six Roots—the eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind—are all subject to impermanence. We do not perceive that these are constantly arising and ceasing. Because we do not see this truth, we cling to them as if they were permanent and real. This lack of true understanding extends to all phenomena, including the five aggregates of form, feeling, perception, , and . When we fail to recognise that all these are impermanent and are merely sources of arising and ceasing afflictions, we are living in a state of confusion. In essence, any psychological phenomenon that arises from this state of "not knowing" is what we call confusion.
The Roots and Branches of Confusion
From this initial state of confusion, we give rise to the "marks of confusion" in our practice. We lose our connection to the true nature and fall into a state of non-awareness. When we are confused by our environment, we develop false and attachments, which is the essence of confusion. Our delusions and the things we cling to keep us trapped in a state of stagnant confusion. Within this framework, we can distinguish between two types of non-awareness:
- Fundamental Non-Awareness: This is the state of being lost, where we have become separated from our true nature.
- Branch Non-Awareness: This is the state of clinging to our delusions, where we actively build layers of confusion upon our initial misunderstanding.
The Alchemy of Perfuming the Mind
Even within this state of confusion, there remains a spark of awareness. Our confusion can "perfume" our true nature, leading us further into the cycle of rebirth and the world of illusion. However, the reverse is also true. The pure can perfume our minds; our true nature can perfume our confusion, leading us toward the gate of returning to the source—the world of . This is the dynamic process of our spiritual journey.
Dissolving the Chains of Delusion
To counteract this confusion, we must learn to detach ourselves from the patterns that keep us bound. We must practise the following to ensure we do not remain in sync with our delusions:
- Non-correspondence with fundamental : Do not let your actions be driven by the seeds of past confusion.
- Non-correspondence with the perceiving mind: Do not trust the mind that constantly seeks to discriminate and judge.
- Non-correspondence with manifested forms: Do not be swayed by the external appearances of the world.
- Non-correspondence with discriminative wisdom: Do not rely on the intellect that creates divisions and dualities.
By not maintaining these correspondences and not clinging to them, you allow your true awareness to emerge. When you use the power of your true nature to perfume your confusion, you will eventually attain a state of absolute purity.
An Invitation to Pure Awareness
To all the Bodhisattvas residing in the Western Land of Dharma Nature, remember that the essence of your practice lies in awareness. Even within confusion, there is a potential for awareness. Keep your heart pure and untainted, and maintain the clarity of your true nature. This is the path to liberation.
Recorded by the chief writer, the Buddha's disciple, Shi Haiyuan.
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