–Volume5(Part2)
Author: Fafu
Translator : Gemini
Hello everyone! Welcome to this episode of the podcast provided by the Buddhas’ Practice Incorporated of Australia.
Today, we will jointly explore the profound principles of “Six Knots Untied, One Vanishes” and the “Perfect Penetration Dharma Door”. The Buddha uses the analogy of tying knots in an ornate scarf to reveal that the Self-Nature is fundamentally singular, but due to beginningless ignorance and delusive thinking, knots arise. The Six Roots, being the cause of Samsara, are also the gate of liberation. By focusing “right on the center of the knot” and “selecting a single root to eliminate its knot,” one can progressively untie the knots, eliminate the phenomena of the dusts, and realize the emptiness of self, the liberation from phenomena, and the non-arising of both emptinesses, thereby perfectly penetrating and accessing the Self-Nature.
1. Tying Knots in the Ornate Scarf
The Buddha uses the analogy of “tying knots in an ornate scarf” to elucidate how knots are formed and the way to liberation.
- Self-Nature is Fundamentally Singular; Differences Arise Due to Knots: The ornate scarf is originally one integral whole, but due to the tying, “knots” arise. This is similar to the pure Self-Nature, which, due to beginningless mental frenzy and delusion and the delusive arising of seeing and knowing, generates the dusts of phenomena—just as tired eyes produce illusory flowers in the sky. Within the clear and bright Fundamental Nature, disturbances arise without cause, generating the inverted flowers of mountains, rivers, earth, birth-and-death, and Nirvāṇa. The Six Roots are likewise formed in this way.
- The Knot is the Appearance of Toil/Frenzy: Ānanda clearly states that these “knots” are analogous to the “appearances of toil/frenzy”, all arising from ignorance and delusive thinking.
- The Key to Untying the Knots: If one does not know the fundamental source of the knot’s center, one can never untie it. The Buddha teaches that to untie a knot, one must not pull on the sides; one must strike “right on the center of the knot, and it immediately disperses.”
2. Six Knots Untied, One Vanishes
The Buddha reveals the essential point of the practice of “Six Knots Untied, One Vanishes,” stating that the Six Roots are both the root of the knots and the gate to liberation.
“Six Knots Untied, One Vanishes, is also like this.”
Although the Six Roots appear to be six, they share the same source in the Self-Nature. Untying one knot causes all six knots to be undone, and even the “one” itself vanishes.
- Select a Single Root, Eliminate the Root’s Knot: The Buddha instructs: “Select one of the Six Roots in your mind. If the knot of the Root is removed, the phenomena of the Dusts will naturally cease. With the elimination of all delusions, what need is there to await what is not true? (Cessation is Bodhi).” By choosing one Root and focusing on severing its karmic habits and afflictions—like pulling up the root of a tree—the dust phenomena naturally disappear, delusions are extinguished, and the Self-Nature manifests.
- Untying Progressively: Untying the knots is not simultaneous; it requires gradual cultivation. First, one attains the “emptiness of self”, severing the ego-clinging. Next, one accomplishes the “liberation from phenomena”, freeing oneself from the adherence to all dharmas. Finally, one achieves the “non-arising of both emptinesses”, realizing the Endurance of Non-Arising.
The Buddha teaches us that the Six Roots are like knots. By progressively untying them, the purity of one Root leads to the purity of all six, and even the “one” vanishes, revealing the perfect and complete Self-Nature.
3. The Perfect Penetration Dharma Door
Although Ānanda understood the principle of “One Vanishes when Six are Untied,” he still did not comprehend the “Fundamental Root of Perfect Penetration.” The Buddha then guides twenty-five Sages to share their experiences of Perfect Penetration, revealing the true meaning of this Dharma Door.
- Meaning of Perfect Penetration: Perfect Penetration means not following the flow of phenomena, realizing the Self-Nature, and perfectly accessing everything without obstruction.
- Experiences of the Twenty-Five Sages:
Kaundinya and the Five Bhikkhus: Entered through the “Buddha’s Voice,” turning the hearing back to hear the Self-Nature.
Ubaniṣada: Contemplated the impure forms; the white bones and minute dust returned to emptiness. With both emptiness and form non-existent, he realized that form is the Self-Nature, turning the contemplation back to contemplate the Self-Nature.
Xiangyan Bodhisattva: Entered through the aroma of incense, knowing the fragrance was neither wood nor emptiness, neither smoke nor fire; it came and went without adherence. With the mind extinguished, he developed wisdom without outflows, turning the smelling back to smell the Self-Nature.
… (To be continued)
4. Conclusion
Entering the Stream with One Root, Purifying the Six Roots: By selecting a Root that is compatible with one’s nature, practicing deeply, severing the clinging to the dust phenomena, and entering the stream to abide in the Self-Nature, all Six Roots will simultaneously become pure, achieving Perfect Penetration without obstruction. Thank you!
