middle way¶

The Middle Way Reality in Linji is the state of being that is free from extremes, such as attachment and aversion, self and other, and being and non-being. It is the state of direct experience of reality, without any conceptualizations or projections.

The Chung Tai Zen lineage is a school of Zen Buddhism founded by Master Sheng-yen (1931-2009). The lineage is based on the teachings of the Tang dynasty master Linji Yixuan (d. 867), and it emphasizes the importance of direct experience and personal realization.

One of the key teachings of the Chung Tai Zen lineage is the Middle Way Reality. The Middle Way Reality is a state of being that is free from extremes, such as attachment and aversion, self and other, and being and non-being. It is the state of direct experience of reality, without any conceptualizations or projections.

The Three Pillars of the Middle Way Reality¶

The Middle Way Reality is supported by three pillars:

Emptiness: The first pillar is emptiness, which is the absence of inherent existence. This means that all phenomena are empty of any independent reality. Dependent Origination: The second pillar is dependent origination, which is the principle that all phenomena arise and cease to exist in dependence on other phenomena. Tathagata Nature: The third pillar is Tathagata Nature, which is the true nature of all beings. It is a nature that is pure, perfect, and luminous. How to Realize the Middle Way Reality:

There are a number of ways to realize the Middle Way Reality. Here are a few examples:

Meditation: Meditation is a practice that can help us to calm the mind and to see things more clearly. When we meditate, we focus on the present moment and we observe our thoughts and feelings without judgment.
Koans: Koans are paradoxical riddles that can help us to break through our conceptualizations and to see reality directly. Koans are typically studied with a teacher or in a group setting.
SUTRA Study: Sutra study can help us to understand the teachings of the Buddha and to develop wisdom. When we study sutras, we should not just focus on the intellectual meaning of the text. We should also try to understand the teachings on a personal and experiential level.

Conclusion¶

The Middle Way Reality is a profound and challenging teaching, but it is the key to liberation from suffering and confusion. If we are willing to put in the effort, we can all realize the Middle Way Reality and experience the true nature of reality.

Benefits of the Middle Way Reality**¶

There are many benefits to realizing the Middle Way Reality. Here are a few examples:

Freedom from Suffering: The Middle Way Reality is a state of being that is free from suffering. When we realize the Middle Way Reality, we are no longer attached to things or to our own sense of self. This freedom from attachment leads to a deep and lasting happiness.
Clarity of Mind: When we realize the Middle Way Reality, we experience a clarity of mind that is unparalleled. We are able to see things as they really are, without any distortion or prejudice.
Compassion for Others: When we realize the Middle Way Reality, we develop a deep compassion for all beings. We see that all beings are interconnected and that we are all part of one great reality. This compassion leads us to act in ways that are beneficial to others and to the world around us.
How to Apply the Middle Way Reality to Our Daily Lives:

examples¶

There are many ways to apply the Middle Way Reality to our daily lives. Here are a few examples:

Be Present: The first step is to be present in the present moment. When we are present, we are aware of our thoughts and feelings without judgment. We are also aware of the world around us.
Let Go of Attachment: When we are attached to things or to our own sense of self, we suffer. We can let go of attachment by practicing non-judgment and by accepting things as they are.
Cultivate Compassion: We can cultivate compassion by seeing the interconnectedness of all beings and by realizing that we are all part of one great reality. We can also cultivate compassion by acting in ways that are beneficial to others and to the world around us.
The Middle Way Reality is a profound and transformative teaching. It is a teaching that can help us to live our lives with wisdom, compassion, and joy.

Linji often used the term "Middle Way" to refer to this state of reality. He said that the Middle Way is not a place or a thing, but a state of mind. It is the state of mind that is free from attachment and aversion, and that sees things as they really are.

The Middle Way is also sometimes called "suchness" or "tathata" in Mahayana Buddhism. Suchness is the ultimate reality, the true nature of things. It is beyond all concepts and words, and can only be experienced directly.

Linji's teachings on the Middle Way are based on the Buddhist concept of emptiness. Emptiness is the absence of inherent existence, or the idea that things do not have any independent reality. According to Linji, all phenomena are empty of inherent existence, and this includes the self.

When we realize the emptiness of the self, we free ourselves from attachment and aversion. We no longer see ourselves as separate from the world, and we are able to experience reality directly, without any conceptualizations.

The Middle Way is a difficult state to achieve, but it is the ultimate goal of Buddhist practice. It is the state of liberation from suffering and confusion, and the state of true happiness.

Here are some of the ways that Linji taught his students to realize the Middle Way:

Meditation: Meditation is a practice that can help us to calm the mind and to see things more clearly. Koans: Koans are paradoxical riddles that can help us to break through our conceptualizations and to see reality directly. Studying sutras: Studying sutras can help us to understand the teachings of the Buddha and to develop wisdom. Direct experience: The ultimate way to realize the Middle Way is through direct experience. This can be done through meditation, koan introspection, or other spiritual practices. The Middle Way is a profound and challenging concept, but it is the key to liberation from suffering and confusion. If we are willing to put in the effort, we can all realize the Middle Way and experience the true nature of reality.