Mind, Buddha-nature & Confusion

     “When the mind disappears, buddha-nature naturally appears, but buddha-nature is present even when the mind is scattered and vexed. 
     One can compare the mind of vexation and buddha-nature to a wavy, moving line, and a still, straight one. The two lines may appear to be different, but if we pull the ends of the moving line taut and hold it steady, then it becomes straight and still. When the line is constantly moving, it is difficult to see clearly its true nature. We can say that the straight, still line represents buddha-nature, and the moving line represents vexation, but both lines have the same nature, and the deluded mind is not different from buddha-nature.”

       Sheng Yen “Song of Mind. Wisdom from the Zen Classic Xin Ming.” Shambhala, Boston, 2004.

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