Verses of the Formless

✨ Verses of the Formless ✨

Excerpt from “The Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch”

🌞 Understanding the teachings and the mind is like the sun shining in the sky. Only by sharing the method of seeing one’s true nature can we transcend the mundane and break through false doctrines.

💫 The Dharma itself has no distinction between sudden or gradual enlightenment; it’s our confusion or awakening that varies in speed. Only by entering the gate of seeing one’s true nature can the ignorant begin to comprehend.

📚 Though there are countless teachings, they all ultimately return to one truth. In the dark house of troubles, we must always bring forth the light of wisdom.

⚖️ When evil mind arises, troubles follow. When right mind arises, troubles vanish. By letting go of both good and evil, purity naturally emerges.

🌱 Bodhi is originally one’s true nature. To give rise to thoughts is delusion. Even within delusion, as long as the mind is right, there will be no obstacles of karma.

💪 If we cultivate the Way, nothing can hinder us. By constantly reflecting on our own faults, we naturally align with the Way.

🌈 Each form has its own path, and they do not interfere with one another. Seeking the Way outside of the Way will never lead to finding it.

🌀 Struggling through life, only to end in regret—this is the fate of those who miss the Way. Want to see the true Way? Act righteously, for that is the Way.

🔍 Without the mind of the Way, walking in darkness will prevent us from seeing it. A true practitioner of the Way does not see the faults of the world.

👁️ Seeing others’ faults reveals the skew in our own practice. Their faults are not mine, but if I have faults, I must correct them.

🛡️ Simply correct your own faults, and eliminate afflictions. When love and hate do not bind the heart, one can rest peacefully.

🌟 If you wish to help others, first equip yourself with skillful means. Do not let others harbor doubts; this is the manifestation of one’s true nature.

🌍 The Buddha’s teachings are within the world and are inseparable from worldly enlightenment. Seeking Bodhi outside of the world is like searching for a rabbit’s horn.

🕊️ Right view leads to transcendence, while wrong view keeps us in the world. By letting go of both right and wrong, the Bodhi nature remains as it is.

🚢 This verse teaches sudden enlightenment, also known as the Great Dharma Ship. While the confused may hear scriptures for countless eons, the enlightened understand in an instant.