Birth and death Quote by Kaiten Nukariya
““THE DIRECT EXPLANATION OF THE REAL ORIGIN[FN#376] 5. The Ekayana Doctrine that Teaches the Ultimate Reality. This doctrine teaches us that all sentient beings have the Real Spirit[FN#377] of Original Enlightenment (within themselves). From time immemorial it is unchanging and pure. It is eternally bright, and clear, and conscious. It is also named the Buddha-nature, or Tathagata-garbha.[FN#378] As it is, however, veiled by illusion from time without beginning, (sentient beings) are not conscious of its existence, and think that the nature within themselves are degenerated. Consequently they are given to bodily pleasures, and producing Karma, suffer from birth and death. The great Enlightened One, having compassion on them, taught that everything in the universe is unreal. He pointed out that the Real Spirit of Mysterious Enlightenment (within them) is pure and exactly the same as that of Buddha. Therefore he says in Avatamsaka-sutra[FN#379]: "There are no sentient beings, the children of Buddha, who are not endowed with wisdom of Tathagata;[FN#380] but they cannot attain to Enlightenment simply because of illusion and attachment. When they are free from illusion, the Universal Intelligence,[FN#381] the Natural Intelligence,[FN#382] the Unimpeded Intelligence,[FN#383] will be disclosed (in their minds)." [FN#376]””
About This Quote
Source Sutra: Avatamsaka Sutra, 1st century CE
The passage describes the innate pure Buddha‑nature within all beings, hidden by illusion, and the path to realizing it through liberation from attachment.
In simple terms: All beings have a pure inner spirit obscured by illusion.
Recognize and uncover your innate enlightenment.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- Meditation practice
- mindful living
- spiritual study
- overcoming attachment
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you discern the true nature of your mind?
- What practices help dissolve illusion?
Illusion can be deeply ingrained, making realization difficult without guidance.