The Lighthouse in the Ocean of Chan
CW45
Chapter 8 Chan Infirmities
Contents |
Section 1. The Five Infirmities of Lang Ya |
Section 2. The Four Prohibitions of Cao Shan |
Section 3. The Three Falls of Cao Shan |
Section 4. The Four Infirmities of Yun Men
|
Section 5. The Three Infirmities of Certain Chan Teacher as Recorded in the "Royal Selection of Discourses" |
To ordinary indiscriminative fellows, it seems that realizations once attained would stay forever, and that once comprehended, all finished. There could not be Chan infirmities to mention. And yet to great masters who has undergone real quest and true comprehension, it seems that there are not a few mirages to overturn, not a few feigning to eliminate, and not a few finer attachments to sweep away. Readers try to see in the following sections, Chan infirmities as pointed out by the various schools and their relationship with the four stages as distinguished by this person, thereupon would know that, after comprehension, there are still many, many problems in actual practice. He who would not cheat himself definitely should not let them pass lightly.
Section 1. The Five Infirmities of Lang Ya
The Five Infirmities of Lang Ya: First, should not draw bow and mount arrow. This belongs to coarse infirmities at the stage of entrance. Second, should not go where there is not a single blade of grass for thousands of miles. Third, should not sleep alone on an isolated peak. These two indicate clearly that it is necessary to exit from the stage of entrance. They belong to subtle and fundamental infirmities at the first stage. Fourth, should not set up the body outside phenomena. Fifth, should not be sluggish in giving birth to or killing. These two indicate clearly the reason for inevitable uses after having exited. They belong to infirmities at the second stage of exit. Cure these infirmities, then ease in wonderful use will be attained. [Note: What are stated above are in fact prohibitions to the infirmities.]
Section 2. The Four Prohibitions of Cao Shan
The Four Prohibitions of Cao Shan: First, do not walk the path of mind. This indicates the stage of entrance; need to stay away from mental activities to attain entrance. Second, not to wear the clothing of being original. This indicates that the stage of exit should be free from the attachment to the original purity of the stage of entrance. Third, why need to be just like this? This obviously points at exit; should not remain dormant within "just like this." Fourth, do avoid the time before occurrence. This indicates the opportunity at the stage of use. Use at the time of occurrence; should not watch for the time before occurrence. Before occurrence, not to watch for; can use at the time of occurrence, that would be the great use.
Section 3. The Three Falls of Cao Shan
The Three Falls of Cao Shan: First, not to severe attachment to sensory perceptions is the fall of following. This belongs to the first stage of entrance. Second, becoming a water buffalo is the fall of resembling. This indicates the reason for the need to exit from the entrance. Third, not to consume food is the fall of being noble. This indicates that having exited one must understand how to use. To consume food means to understand how to use.
Section 4. The Four Infirmities of Yun Men
The Four Infirmities of Yun Men: First, everywhere not clear, in front are objects. This is the common infirmity before attaining entrance. Second, comprehend that all dharmas are empty, indistinctly there seems to be something. Third, having attained the Dharmakaya, the notion of a self still exists, sitting on the side of the Dharmakaya. These two are the fundamental infirmities of the stage of entrance; therefore, there is the need to exit. Fourth, even though having passed through the Dharmakaya, could not let go, carefully scrutinize if there is any traces of things to come. This infirmity is talking about uses without chances, efforts and functions have not finished. It indicates a subtle infirmity at the third or fourth stage. The overall infirmity is "light not through thoroughly."
Section 5. The Three Infirmities of Certain Chan Teacher as Recorded in the "Royal Selection of Discourses"
First, clearly there seems to be a large sphere of light, it contracts or expands, and seems to be manageable at will. Second, sluggishly silent, either follow or decide, thinking that it is responding as matters arise, and afterwards no lingering. Third, see red as red, see black as black, indistinctively there seems to be something in the chest. The above three infirmities, in terms of the three passes, are matters before breaking through the second pass. According to the four stages of this book, they are all matters before attaining exit.
As to how to become free from the infirmities mentioned above, please read the last chapter, Chapter Ten, of this book, "A Frank and Sincere Talk on Chan," to find out. Here it is not dealt with.
[Home][Back to main list][Back to Chenian][Table of contents][next chapter][Go to Dr. Lin's works]