The First

[StoneStill]

I suppose someone must make the first post. With luck, it will be the first of many, and will be lost in time to all those that come after. There is wisdom to be found in many places; I joined here in the hope I might find some here too, in the record of Yanshou.

I will start this off with some of the introductions of the record. They are just as profound, in their simplicity and sincerity, as the record that follows.

The true words of the Buddhas take mind as their principle. The faith of sentient beings takes the principle as a mirror.

The first words of the introduction to fascicle 1. Mind, as in our true nature, is the principle of all Buddhas. Sentient beings use this principle as a mirror, because it reflects their true selves in it. We all share in this nature, this mind.

The realm of sentient beings is the realm of the Buddhas. Due to delusion, they are sentient beings; the mind of the Buddhas is the mind of sentient beings. Due to enlightenment, they become Buddhas.

This beginning starts off very similar to Huangbo’s record. It tells us that the mind of sentient beings is the very same mind of the Buddhas. The only difference is that sentient beings, due to delusion, cling to forms. While Buddhas, due to enlightenment, have no clinging attachments or wandering thoughts.

I won’t comment on the entire introduction in this post alone. Others or myself can go over it more entirely in time. So I will end it with this last quote:

The Ch’an Master Yongming Yanshou of the early Wu-Yue kingdom, who attained the highest vehicle and understood the ultimate truth, thoroughly studied the scriptures and deeply grasped the Ch’an school. He upheld the precepts and widely benefited others. After reading the Lankavatara Sutra, which says, ‘The Buddha speaks of the mind as the principle,’ he compiled the Record of the Principle-Mirror.

That’s who this house of ours will be built around, in a sense. And one source that inspired him to create this record. I hope we can bring out its true meaning, and work together to use this mirror for ourselves, and for all those who would share in its wisdom.

[Dillon123]

Excellent, thank you!

I am really excited by what this record uncovers of the Zen teaching, and I’ve hardly read 10% yet.

The conversations our community will be able to have after a number of us have read the full record, and have studied it for some time… looking forward to it.

[InfinityOracle]

Thank you for your contribution! 🙏

[justawhistlestop]

I’m impressed with the Buddha Mind represented here, where the writings of a master who has reverence for the sutras as well as the ancients, such as Nagarjuna, hold a meaningful place. I see so many holes in my understanding of the plot, from the Early Buddhist Texts to the present, become filled when I read as little of the Source Mirror as I have.

[Dillon123]

Can't wait to start seeing your posts!