8. Man is not Good-natured nor Bad-natured, but…
““8. Man is not Good-natured nor Bad-natured, but Buddha-natured. We have had already occasion to observe that Zen teaches Buddha-nature, which all sentient beings are endowed with. The term 'Buddha-nature,'[FN#165] as accepted generally by Buddhists, means a latent and undeveloped nature, which enables its owner to become Enlightened when it is developed and brought to actuality.[FN#166]””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
All beings possess an innate potential for enlightenment, though it is initially dormant.
In simple terms: Everyone has hidden enlightenment potential.
Cultivate inner nature through practice.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- meditation
- ethical living
- personal growth
- teaching sessions
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What practices awaken this nature?
- How to recognize latent enlightenment?
Development may be slow; requires discipline.