Sacred West

Buddhism and Modern Life

Sacred West header image 2

never born never dies

December 14th, 2007 · 2 Comments · Filed under: Dharmic

A friend sent this over:

There is only one thing, from the very beginning,
infinitely bright and mysterious by nature.

It was never born, and it never dies. It cannot be
described or given a name.

What is this “one thing”?

An eminent teacher wrote,
Even before the ancient Buddhas were born,
One thing was already perfectly complete.
Even Shakyamuni Buddha could not understand it.
How could he transmit it to Mahakashyapa?

There is one “thing” that is never born, and never
dies. For this reason it cannot be named in any way,
or expressed, or depicted.

The Sixth Patriarch of Zen once addressed the assembly
thus: “I have something that has no name and no form.
Do any of you see it?”

Zen Master Shen-hui immediately replied, “It is the
essence of all Buddhas, and also my buddha nature.”

Due to this answer, Shen-hui cannot be considered a
legitimate heir and descendant of the Sixth Patriarch.

– Zen Master So Sahn (1520-1604)

2 responses so far ↓

  • 1 Nima Wangchuk // Sep 27, 2008 at 12:04 am

    I am really blessed to recieve preachings from internet. I always pray for a chance to attain his profound preachings. no doubt, all the sufferings that the ignorant living creatures carry will attain no suffering one day under such guidence………
    may my wishes be fulfilled to attain his preachings…..

  • 2 yemane .G // Feb 18, 2012 at 3:47 am

    i want ”Never Born Nevver Die But … ” book . Please share me.

    Ur. loved one.

Leave a Comment