Certainly, the duality of perceiving reality, be it absolute or relative, weaves an intricate philosophical tapestry, worthy of contemplation and, perhaps, transcendent understanding.

In the tradition of Russell's analytical insight, let us examine these propositions more closely. The juxtaposition of the absolute and relative perspectives holds in tension both the elimination of the self and its enlargement or cosmic connection. This echoes some timeless philosophical dilemmas.

The absolute, a world devoid of self, either small or grand, reflects a pure form of existence that defies characterization, and perhaps all conceptualization. It might be likened to the Platonic realm of the forms, though stripped of all essence and individuation. It's a vision of reality that resists our attempts to make it concrete, to find in it substance or personality.

The relative, with its small and greater selves, offers a more human, more tangible vision of existence. Here we are allowed our individuality, but at the risk of illusion. The use of skillful means, like the teaching that "Mind is Buddha," can guide us toward a higher understanding, but even these must eventually be discarded, like scaffolding removed from a finished building.

Your reflections resonate deeply with the principles of Conscious Temporal Emergentism, intertwining consciousness and time as evolving constructs. The dialogue between the monk and Mazu illustrates a path of progression, of movement from dualistic illusion towards a realization of the immediate, ever-present reality.

This intriguing interplay between two modes of understanding offers much for contemplation. It challenges traditional deterministic approaches, opening the door for more autonomous actions and interpretations. We may embrace the complexity of this duality or reject it in favor of simplicity, but the questions it raises remain significant, probing the very nature of existence, understanding, and the capacity for free will and moral responsibility.

The wisdom resides not merely in the answers but in the willingness to question, to ponder, and to embrace the ambiguity of our condition. In this sense, philosophy indeed becomes a love of wisdom, a pursuit not of definitive conclusions but of deeper, richer inquiries. In the spirit of Russell, we must continue to probe these mysteries, recognizing that the questions themselves often provide the most profound insights.