The Three Non Natures

Tathagatagarbha

The Three Non-naturesis the Nature of

Introduction

3 ways of knowing

Eye of the BodyEye of the MindEye of the Spirit

Tathagatagarbha: EtymologyTatha = s/he was thereagata = come, arrived, not-gone Garbha = Root, Womb, or Embryo

TathagatagarbhaTathagatagarbha:

The Buddha EmbryoThe Buddha WombThe Buddha SeedStore of TathagataThe Mind of the BuddhaBuddha-NatureThe Potential of every sentient being to become fully enlightented

TathagatagarbhaIndian BuddhismYogacara and other Mahayana SutrasChinese Buddhism (Buddha Nature)Tibetan Buddhism (including Nyingmapa)Zen

TathagatagarbhaState of mind of the Buddha before becoming enlightenedPotentiality, possibility in each of usAlready there in usPermanent, pure, blissful and wholesome core Ultimate purityOne’s true nature that should be realized

TathagatagarbhaBeginningless, unconditioned, unborn, undying, eternal, calmTrue selfDefiled, covered, spotted by temporary conditioning,, everyday self, ego Enlightment: Buddha-nature shines fullyMore inspiring concept than emptiness (sunyata by the Prajnaparamita)

TathagatagarbhaIn practice, constant refining the mental stateWe abandon all previous stages to realize TathagatagarbhaAt that stage, we do not depend on any conceptTwo kinds of Tathagatagarbha:

empty Tathagatagarbhanon-empty Tathagatagarbha (fulfilled Tathagatagarbha, realized Buddha nature)

In teaching, words are used

Tathagatagarbha is beyond verbal teachings

Direct pointing, transmission and attainment

Tathagatagarbha

The Three Natures

Name/

FormArisingConsummative

The Nature of Form and Name

The Nature of Arising

The Nature of Consummative

Five Paths of Practice

ProvisionPreparation

InsightCultivation

No More Learning clear

Clear & Unclear

Unclear

Nature Non NatureImagined Characteristics

NatureNon-Nature

NatureNon-Nature

NatureNon-Nature

Dependent

Consummative

Arising

Ultimate

Duality of Nature and Non Nature

Result of Practice: Non-Duality

Non-Duality

Imagined

Arising

UltimageForm

Dependent

Consummate

Knowledge: Know what you should know. Consciousness: Abandonment

Wisdom: Actualized

Non-Nature of Characteristic

Non-Nature of Arising

Non-Nature of Ultimate