Books Quote by Kaiten Nukariya
““There is nothing," (the author of) Madhyamika-castra[FN#369] says, "that ever came into existence without direct and indirect causes. Therefore there is anything that is not unreal in the world." He says again: "Things produced through direct and indirect causes I declare to be the very things which are unreal." (The author of) Craddhotdada-castra[FN#370] says: "All things in the universe present themselves in different forms only on account of false ideas. If separated from the (false) ideas and thoughts, no forms of those external objects exist." "All the physical forms (ascribed to Buddha)," says (the author of) a sutra,[FN#371] "are false and unreal. The beings that transcend all forms are called Buddhas."[FN#372] Consequently you must acknowledge that mind as well as external objects are unreal. This is the eternal truth of the Mahayana doctrine. We are driven to the conclusion that unreality is the origin of life, if we trace it back according to this doctrine. [FN#369]””
About This Quote
Source Text: Mahayana Buddhist treatise, 12th century
All phenomena are empty of inherent existence; perceived forms arise from mental constructs.
In simple terms: Forms are mental projections, not ultimate reality.
Recognize the emptiness of perceived reality.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- meditation
- philosophical study
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does recognizing emptiness affect daily life?
- What practices reveal the unreality of forms?
Attachment to concepts can hinder insight.