Every being possesses an inherent state of peace and happiness, known as the Buddha nature. This essence is empty, cognizant, and free from fixations, representing natural wisdom with enlightened qualities. However, due to being entangled in the delusions of samsara, most beings remain unaware of this perfect essence within them.
The teachings of the Buddha provide guidance to reconnect with the inner Buddha and attain enlightenment. This is the path. To embark on this journey, we must cultivate the precious bodhicitta from the very beginning. As we gradually let go of fixations, the Buddha nature within us begins to manifest fully. When we are completely free from fixations, we attain enlightenment and become Buddhas. This is the fruition.
An analogy can be drawn between sentient beings and the Buddha nature during the path. The Buddha nature is like the sun, while ego-clinging, delusions, attachments, and obscurations are akin to clouds covering the sun. As the clouds dissipate, the brilliance of the sun naturally shines forth. Similarly, the Buddha nature is always present, regardless of its obscurity. However, in the experience of ordinary beings, there is a sense of disconnection from the Buddha nature. Practitioners, on the other hand, may intermittently touch upon or lose sight of it, alternating between delusion and glimpses of enlightenment.
Ultimately, uncovering the Buddha nature requires releasing fixations. Fixation solidifies the clouds of obscurity, while letting go reveals the radiant sun of Buddha nature.
Since every sentient being possesses the Buddha nature within, the aspiration to free all beings from suffering and establish them in perfect enlightenment aligns with their inherent potential. If beings lacked the Buddha nature, bodhicitta would be empty wishful thinking without any basis.
Initially, the development of bodhicitta is relative. As we begin to glimpse our primordially pure Buddha nature, we gradually realize absolute bodhicitta. When the Buddha nature is fully unveiled, we achieve perfect enlightenment, reaching the fruition.
The concepts of samsara, nirvana, and the path to enlightenment are all understood within the framework of ground, path, and fruition. The Buddha nature represents the ground or basis, which is the primordial Buddha, embodying qualities and devoid of defects. Unaware of this essence, beings live in delusion. The Buddha’s teachings illuminate the path, showing beings how to reconnect with their Buddha nature. Once the Buddha nature is fully realized, one becomes a fully awakened Buddha, signifying the fruition.
The Bodhisattva-caryavatara serves as a guide for following the path to enlightenment. It offers instructions on developing bodhicitta, practicing the six transcendental perfections, realizing the view of Buddha nature, and allowing this view to mature into complete enlightenment.
Buddha nature, also referred to as the “enlightened essence,” encompasses various names such as “root of Buddha,” “pure essence,” or “heart-drop of Buddha.” It signifies the genuine Buddha within all sentient beings, indistinguishable from their own mind’s essence.
This inner Buddha represents the ground. When fully realized, it becomes the fruition. There is no difference between the ground and the fruition. The ground is the genuine Buddha, complete with qualities and devoid of defects. However, due to delusion, we remain unaware of this inner Buddha and need to embark on the path to dispel our delusion. The Buddha’s teachings provide the perfect remedy to remove delusion and reconnect us with our true nature.
On the path, we learn methods to eliminate obscurations and accumulate merit and wisdom. The ninth chapter of the Bodhisattva-caryavatara teaches us to recognize our Buddha nature and
